Specialty restaurants

[Merlees]

We're going on the Independence Dec. 7th. Chops, Portofino or both? We've never been to either one. Is it worth the extra money? We've loved the specialty restaurants on Celebrity ships.

 

Thanks,

[Guest scfjjb]

DH will say Portofino is a must and I say Chops is a must. Therefore, go to both. It is worth the money IMO.

[aurelius180]

I just did Chops a couple of weeks ago and it was definitely worth it!! :D

[cb at sea]

If you are more than satisfied with the food in the dining room, then there's no need to spend the extra. But, it's worth a try! We usually determine if we're going by our tablemates--if the table is really fun, we'll stick with the dining room!

[Merlees]

Thanks for the input. This is only a 6 day cruise. Would doing both be too much? (I don't mean too much money--too much of the specialty restaurant.) I don't want to do it formal nights as those nights are usually better meals.

[Sabbo]

Worth every penny!

[aurelius180]

Thanks for the input. This is only a 6 day cruise. Would doing both be too much? (I don't mean too much money--too much of the specialty restaurant.) I don't want to do it formal nights as those nights are usually better meals.

 

 

Maybe you can just make it a game time decision. Like CB said, it would depend on your tablemates. You might like them and enjoy the MDR that much more or find them annoying and want to get away.

 

Maybe book one ahead and another on the cruise if you're so inclined. But have fun!! :D

[NorbertsNiece]

OK. If money is no object do both.... Chops first then Portofino's..... if you think 2 specials is overkill on a 6 day cruise then definitely Portofino's. You can still get awesome steak there and the tiramisu.......

 

[Merlees]

OHMYGOSH!!!!! Is that dessert? I'm definitely going for it!!!!! :D Great picture!

[piercetc4]

go try both- you wont regret it- chances are your tablemates will be going at least one night to a specialty rest. as well-

[Merlees]

Thanks to all of you for helping me. I'm going to make one reservation now and then hopefully the other once we get on the ship. I'm just hoping the reservations won't be filled up by then. How many seatings do they have each night? On the Celebrity ships, the specialty restaurants aren't that big, and they can fill up quickly.

[Gonzo70]

I vote to try both. I have always enjoyed the main dining room, but all three specialty restaurants I have experienced to date have been significantly better food and ambiance. I have found them to be well worth the money and a lot cheaper than a comprable meal on land.

[Robb]

I recommmend both. :) Some people will say that it is a waste of money, but then again, so is visiting the casino. :eek::rolleyes: We almost always book at least one meal in one or the other, both have some plusses-depends on individual tastes.

[RNSANE]

I love both Portofino and Chops. The seafood skewer in Portofino is great as is the dessert sampler....both restaurants are well worth the extra money, especially on a long cruise.

 

If you have a great table, and it's a short cruise, then I will often forego the specialty restaurants but I've found them especially nice on the long cruises where people may stay out later in port and not return to the dining room. They aren't so crowded then and you get lots of attention, if you aren't staying out in port yourself. I prefer to do my dining out in port at lunch time....it's usually less expensive but you can often find outstanding restaurants, regardless.

 

Also, you might find that some of your table mates will be gone and your remaining table mates might enjoy the specialty restaurants with you.

[Cruise-Nut]

We just got back from Liberty on Saturday and went to Chops and Portofino's Twice at each. great food and service. Well worth it. Don't forget to tip extra as well. I always give at least $10 per person extra as a tip. You will love them both.

[Cruise_Couple]

We're going on the Independence Dec. 7th. Chops, Portofino or both? We've never been to either one. Is it worth the extra money? We've loved the specialty restaurants on Celebrity ships.

 

Thanks,

 

In our opinion... YES... it is definitely worth the money and you should try both Chops and Portofinos if available. They are both wonderful!

[ellbon]

I booked both for a 5 day cruise and then decide if I want both for the 7 day cruise in April. After seeing the dessert i am so ready for dessert. Also heard the mystery dinner was fun too.

[ken_nyc]

You have a definite from me too! Go to both!

[suezyq50]

We loved Portofinos. Will definitely do it again!

[nanfromatlanta]

We dine in Portofino at least once on every cruise.

[jaycor]

We love chops best but still go to portofinos as well

 

 

book soon

 

we had a hard time finding the times we wanted on the IOS for sailing Feb 07/2009

 

we booked last week

 

people book early!!

[NorbertsNiece]

We love chops best but still go to portofinos as well

 

 

book soon

 

we had a hard time finding the times we wanted on the IOS for sailing Feb 07/2009

 

we booked last week

 

people book early!!

 

They do keep booking slots back for onboard booking..... just bear in mind if there's a date / time you are specific about to pre-book.

[Merlees]

I sure hope you're right about them holding reservation slots for booking onboard. I just tried to make reservations and two of the three nights I want are not available online. So, since I can only book one restaurant now, which one? Portofino or Chops? Help!! :eek:

[HorrorFan]

I sure hope you're right about them holding reservation slots for booking onboard. I just tried to make reservations and two of the three nights I want are not available online. So, since I can only book one restaurant now, which one? Portofino or Chops? Help!! :eek:

If you are mainly interested in steaks, then Chops would be the best choice. Otherwise, Portofino IS excellent and they have slightly more varied menu, and they also prepare a GREAT steak.

[Merlees]

Wow! Reservations sure do fill up fast! When I went back, out of three nights, I could only get into Portofino's so I grabbed it! Maybe onboard I can get Chops.

 

Thanks for everyone's input. :o