Cucina del Capitano with kids! - Laugh With Us Blog

Cruise dining is one of my favorite things! On our latest cruise on the Carnival Breeze we were invited to enjoy Cucina del Capitano onboard Italian restaurant with our kids. We loved it even more than we thought we would. Oh, but just so you know, as always, all opinions are my own! 😉

Cucina del Capitano showcases the Italian heritage of Carnival’s captains and officers. Food is served family-style in a beautiful yet comfortable environment.

Decorated like an Italian country home you will find vintage photographs adorning the walls, and there’s even a Captain’s table where you just might see the man himself dine.

For dinner in Cucina del Capitano there is an additional charge of $15 for adults and $5 for kids 11 and under.

The family fun began as soon as we sat down. The kids were given kid’s menus that came with Wikki Stix and directions for making things.

This kept them entertained throughout our dining experience. Any time they finished eating a course and were waiting for the next thing the kids would resume their crafting.

First they followed the directions to craft the items on their book.

When they finished that, the kids began to create using their own ideas. It was a blast!

And then, of course, there is the food! The night begins with steaming hot pull-apart rolls served with butter.

We sampled an array of appetizers beginning with Il Capitano’s Signature Arancini. Authentic rice balls from Sicily made with a homemade mushroom ragu and cheese and served on marinara sauce!

The Calamari Friti was my husband’s favorite!

The Antipasti was beautifully served, and I loved all the bursts of flavor just here.

The Eggplant Parmesan, Nonna’s Meatballs, and Insalata Rucola were delicious as well.

All of the kids were happy with their choice of foods. I mean when does that happen? Really! From the Macaroni and Cheese…

to the Spaghetti and meatballs! One of my kids asked for an Alfredo pasta that wasn’t on the menu. She was served a linguine Alfredo and absolutely loved it! Don’t be afraid to ask!

My favorite entree was the Piatto Della Nonna or simply, “Nonna’s Dish.” It was inspired by Carnival Breeze’s inaugural captain’s mother’s dish. Penne pasta served with crispy shrimp and prosciutto in a vodka cream sauce. I am so picky when it comes to sea food that I was reluctant to try this dish when I saw it had shrimp in it, but I loved it! In fact, I’m still craving this dish!

We also tried the Beef Short Ribs served with a tomato brushetta. My carnivore man was happy!

If you’re looking for classic Chicken Parmesan, Cucina del Capitano’s version will fill your heart with joy!

Served with grilled veggies and a side of house spaghetti, the Chicken Parmesan was a delight!

Oh we musn’t forget desert! The Hand Ground Polenta Cake with Custard Cream and Lemon Sorbet is the house favorite.

Apple deserts your favorite? Try the Apple filled crust dessert with caramel ice cream!

My personal favorite was the Biscotti al Cioccolato con Sale Marino. Now this is not like anything I would have pictured as a biscotti. This is two thin chocolate cookies filled with coffee cream and served with coffee ice cream. It’s light and delicious and after a huge meal was the perfect finish.