When taking a Disney cruise, I highly recommend dining at Palo, the adults-only restaurant specializing in Northern Italian cuisine. Sure, it costs extra, but I thought it was well worth it thanks to the superior service, sublime food, and stunning setting. Here are my two biggest reasons to try Palo on Disney Cruise Line.
Disney cruises are top notch: no WONDER they earn highest reviews in the cruising industry. Dining on a Disney cruise is usually a food lovers DREAM. But in the case of Palo, it’s a foodie FANTASY. Whether for brunch or dinner, prepare for the chefs and servers to work their MAGIC. While there are many reasons why Palo is a can’t miss experience on a Disney cruise, here are the two biggest reasons to dine at Palo:
Brunch and Dinner.
Maybe you think I’m being a bit goofy by saying the two meals served at Palo are the reasons try Palo. I’m dead serious. Each meal is sublime in its own right. They both are unique and distinct. Try them both!
Disney Cruise Dining: 2 Biggest Reasons to Try Palo
Reason # 1: Palo Brunch
I loved Palo brunch so much that I decided to write a poem about it!
Ode to Palo
The top dining experience on Disney Cruise Line
Is Palo brunch–it’s positively sublime!
A refreshing prosecco begins the day
I couldn’t wait to see the stunning buffet
Perfection in Northern Italian cuisine
Atmosphere is warm, opulent and serene
Luscious desserts like tiramisu for me
Ocean vistas that span as far as you can see
A buffet brimming with breads, antipasti and seafood
Murals and glass chandeliers set the romantic mood
Order a la carte dishes like Lasagna Bolognaise and Red Snapper Filet
Revel in the awesome service and the food on display
Exceptional meal that’s practically perfect in every way
Palo for brunch offers both a buffet with seafood, antipasta, cheese, and dessert. But that’s not all!
You can also order a la carte items from the menu featuring both breakfast/brunch items like Eggs Benedict as well as Italian classics like Lasagne Bolognaise, Veal Saltimbocca, and Rollatini Melanzane.
Reason # 2: Palo Dinner
Not to be outdone, Palo dinner is truly spectacular. Sorry, dinner service, I didn’t write a poem. But the restaurant oozes with Northern Italian charm and creates the perfect backdrop for a fine dining experience.
Disney Cruise Dining: Palo Menu
La Pasta selections include:
- Risotto di Mare: Saffron Risotto served with fried Zucchini, Shrimp, Mussels and Clams;
- Wild Mushroom Risotto with Freshly-shaved Parmesan and a Chianti reduction;
- Lobster and Mascarpone Ravioli with a light Burro Bianco;
- Chianti Braised Beef Ravioli “en bordo”: Tossed in a rich Red Wine Reduction with oven-roasted Carrots and Celery;
- Gnocchi di patate con Gorgonzola e Asparagi: Potato Gnocchi served with Gorgonzola Sauce with Asparagus;
- Rosemary Pappardelle con Aragosta: Lobster,Parsley and Fennel with Chili and fresh Tomato Sauce; and
- Penne Arrabbiatta: Spicy fresh Tomato and Basil Sauce, topped with Grilled Shrimp.
Il Pesce dishes:
- Grilled Sea Scallops with Borlotti Beans and Pancetta, served with a tomato sauce;
- Rombo al Finocchio: Pan-seared Turbot on Roasted Potatoes, Porcini, Pancetta, and Fennel with Walnut Butter;
- Branzino in Cartoccio: Sea Bass with Spaghetti Vegetables and Ginger Orange Glace; and
- Grilled Tuna Piemonte: Truffle-infused Potato Risotto with Garlic marinated Artichokes and a Tarragon Veal Jus.
Bring on the Meat (La Carne) with offerings such as:
- Pan seared Calves Liver Mele e Cipolle on polente cake with caramelized apples and onions, garnished with air dried Prosciutto;
- Fagotti di Petto di Pollo con Ricotta e Basilico: Baked Chicken Breast filled with ricotta, basil and red peppers served with pinot grigio reduction;
- Oregano and parmesan crusted rack of lamb with sangiovese roasted shallots, olives & baked roma tomatoes, potato and herb jus.
- Osso Buco: Slow roasted centre cut veal shank with gremolata and risotto Milanese; and
- Our Beef Tenderloin “Palo”: Topped with melted gorgonzola cheese or Palo signature Barolo red wine sauce.
My entree choice was also the most popular: the beef tenderloin. It lived up to its billing as a delightful cut and cook of the tenderloin, artfully prepared and served.
Disney Cruise Dining: Palo dishes
Leave room for dessert(s): homemade tiramisù, panna cotta or our house favorite, chocolate soufflé with vanilla bean and chocolate sauce. Possibly one of the most wonderful desserts I’ve had. Super rich and decadent, I could only manage a few bites after such an extravagant meal.
Disney Cruise Dining: Palo Pricing
When dining at Palo, the following additional charges will apply:
- Dinner: $30 dining charge per person
- Wine Pairing with Dinner: $59 charge per person, in addition to the $30 dining charge for dinner (total $89 per person)
- Brunch: $30 dining charge per person
Alcohol and optional gratuity are additional. We found our servers Franco and Danny worked incredibly hard and deserved a gratuity.
How to make Disney Cruise Dining specialty reservations:
Online reservations are available at the following times:
Concierge Guests: 120 days in advance
Castaway Club Levels:
-Platinum Castaways: 120 days in advance
-Gold Castaways: 105 days in advance
-Silver Castaways: 90 days in advance
-First Time Cruiser: 75 days in advance
New Online Reservation Opportunity
You’re now invited to make 2 dinner reservations at Palo during your cruise, as long as one of your reservations is on the first night of your cruise. Reservations are subject to availability and a specialty dining charge will apply. So now if you are torn between which entree to order, dine there twice and problem solved!
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