A guide to dining options and restaurants on Iona Cruise Ship (overview + photos)

Discover the different dining options on Iona and start planning where to eat on your cruise.

With around 30 bars and restaurants on P&O’s Iona, it’s safe to say you won’t be going hungry or thirsty during your cruise. From casual snack bars to formal dining, there really is something for everyone onboard whatever your taste. So, whether you are peckish around the pool or celebrating a special occasion, you’ll find a dining option to suit.

As one of the newest ships in P&O’s fleet, some of the bars and restaurants were newly created, just for Iona. However, many of the old favourites from other ships make a welcome return too.

Having cruised on Iona twice and spent two weeks onboard, I feel like I’ve tried almost all of the places to eat. So, I thought I’d put together this guide to the restaurants on Iona and what you can expect.

Dining on Iona

Cruise ship restaurants generally provide a high standard of food and Iona is no different. As you might expect dining on Iona is geared towards British tastes, however, with itineraries around the Norwegian Fjords and the Mediterranean don’t be surprised to see some dishes inspired by Norway and Spain on the menu.

Many of the restaurants on board are included in your cruise fare and there is enough choice that you don’t really need to pay anymore for food. However, if you want to splash out for a special occasion or even just celebrate being on holiday then there are several speciality restaurants to choose from. They do come with extra charges but it is usually less than what you’d pay for a night out on land.

You might recognise a few famous faces at some of the restaurants. P&O partners with several celebrity chefs – known as Food Heroes – to create innovative menus and some memorable dining experiences on Iona.

Overview of restaurants on Iona

This guide features the restaurants on Iona. If you would like to read more about the bars onboard, I have put together a separate bar guide. Take look if you are interested to see the places where you can get a drink.

Before we get into the detail of each of the restaurants, here is a quick overview.

• Aqua, Coral, Opal and Pearl (main dining rooms)
• Horizon (buffet)
• Sindhu (extra charge)
• The Beach House (extra charge)
• The Chef’s Table
• The Epicurean (extra charge)
• The Glasshouse (extra charge)
• The Keel & Cow (extra charge)
• The Limelight Club (extra charge)
• The Olive Grove (extra charge on a couple of items)
• The Quays (food court)

Other eateries on Iona include

• Grab and Go Bar
• Ripples – ice cream (extra charge)
• Taste 360
• Vista Cafe Bar

What is Freedom Dining on Iona?

Iona offers freedom dining in the main (and some of the casual) restaurants which basically means you can eat when you want. You are not restricted to set times. That said, if you want to eat at a particularly popular time, you may have a little wait.

When you are ready to eat you just join a virtual queue on the My Holiday app or get a pager from your restaurant of choice and when a table is ready, they’ll let you know

On my first cruise on Iona, I used to join the queue as I was getting ready and then by the time I had finished, it was only a short wait (if any) for a table. On my second, I ate in the main dinning room twice with a group of solo travellers. We found the easiest way to get a table to was to go down to the dining room in person.

Tip: If you know roughly when you’d like to eat, keep an eye on the virtual queues in the half-hour or so beforehand. Then if it starts to get busy, you can jump in the queue.

So, don’t despair if it seems like you can’t get a table, there are multiple ways to get seated in the main dining rooms.

P&O Iona restaurants included in your cruise fare

Main Dining Rooms

(Decks 6 and 7, Aft)

There are four main restaurants on Iona – Aqua, Coral, Opal and Pearl. Coral and Pearl are open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Aqua is open for breakfast and dinner. Opal is open for dinner.

In the morning you have the choice of a hot or continental breakfast. The continental breakfast offers fruit juice, yoghurts, cereals, fruit, toast, pancakes and a variety of pastries and muffins. Healthier options include porridge, muesli, granola and quite possibly the world’s smallest smashed avocado on sourdough toast (evidence below).

Tip: order two…

All the usual suspects are on offer in the hot breakfast including bacon, baked beans, grilled mushrooms, hash browns, kippers, smoked haddock, salmon and tomato. You can also have eggs any way you like – boiled, fried, poached or scrambled. Eggs Benedict is also available.

Hot drinks include a selection of teas and coffees and hot chocolate.

At lunch, you have a choice of sandwiches, salads or something more substantial such as salmon fillet, cottage pie or chicken fajitas etc. Sides including chips, garlic bread and mixed vegetables are also available. As is dessert, if you have any room left.

For dinner, there is a fairly wide range of options and plenty of British classics are included such as steak and chips .

Afternoon Tea

The daily afternoon tea in the Aqua dining room is sadly no longer available. However, you should be able to get some sandwiches, cake and tea in the Horizon Restaurant around 3pm each day. The photo below is from the old afternoon tea so you get an idea of what cakes might be on offer.

If you fancy something a bit more special and more like a proper afternoon tea with service then you can book into The Epicurean for this. Just keep in mind this will come at an extra cost.

Horizon Restaurant

(Deck 16, Aft)

On the Lido deck, you’ll find the Horizon restaurant, aka the buffet!

Horizon is open pretty much all day and late into the evening. So whether you are after breakfast, lunch, dinner, a snack or a midnight feast you should find something here. All come with a side of spectacular sea views.

There is a wide variety of food, which mainly caters to British tastes but also offers dishes from around the world. Food is self serve so grab a plate and you are good to go.

If you have food allergies or dietary requirements, keep an eye on the menu cards for each dish. They highlight what they contain and if they are gluten free.

While it can get busy here, there is plenty of seating space available so it shouldn’t be too hard to find somewhere to sit and eat. Head to far end of the seating area as it’s usually pretty quiet there from my experience.

Tip: If you are heading to the late-night buffet – and who isn’t? – get there early, it can get very busy so expect a bit of a queue at times.

The Quays

(Deck 8, Aft)

The Quays is a new concept for P&O and was first introduced on Iona before also being added to Arvia. The food court-like space has three stands and a small buffet area. If you want to grab some food with no fuss, this is where to head.

The food stands are

• Boardwalk Dinner – American classics including burgers and hot dogs
• Fusion – Asian inspired dishes
• Hook, Line and Vinegar – fish and chips

There is a nice relaxed seating area, with plenty of space including some outdoor seating.

The food here is very good, particularly the British classic of fish and chips. It all seems to be freshly made too so it’s not sitting around too long. I ended up eating here quite a lot when I was onboard. It is a great addition and a nice alternative to the buffet.

Tip: The Quays also offers breakfast so if you don’t want the formality of a sit-down breakfast in one of the main dining rooms or the scrum of the buffet then head here. You’ll have the choice of pancakes, omelettes, a fry up and a selection of pastries and muffins.

The Chef’s Table

(Horizon Restaurant, Deck 16, Aft)

On celebration night part of the Horizon Restaurant is taken over by The Chef’s Table. The area is given a glow up and an exclusive menu created by P&O Food Heroes Marco Pierre White and Eric Lanlard is served. The meal is accompanied by wine recommendations from Olly Smith.

On my most recent cruise I managed to book a table and it didn’t disappoint. The meal started with a shot of gazpacho soup, laced with P&O’s cruises own gin. I then had the white tomato panna cotta to start, classic beef wellington as my main and cherry jubilee (buttermilk pancake) for dessert.

It was easily the best meal I had all week on Iona. The pictures below don’t quite do it justice!

The Chef’s Table is included in your cruise fare so if you would like a celebration night to remember, this is definitely something to consider

I’m a solo traveller and I thought it might have felt a bit awkward eating at the Chef’s Table alone, but actually it was fine. So, if you are thinking the same, don’t worry too much. Just go for it. You won’t regret it.

Tip: If you wish to eat at The Chef’s Table on celebration night, keep an eye out for when bookings open. Tables go very quickly. If you are unable to book, check at reception on board to see if they can book you in or add you to a waitlist.

The Olive Grove

(Deck 8, Aft)

Also new to Iona is The Olive Grove. This Mediterranean style restaurant serves a selection of pasta, pizza and other favourites from the region.

The modern rustic feel makes it easy to forget you are on a ship and not actually in the Mediterranean. Thankfully the floor to ceiling windows with views over the promenade deck and out to sea are there to remind you. As with many areas on Iona, the design of this restaurant provides a real sense of bringing the outdoors inside.

Tip: Try to get a table in the conservatory area so you can enjoy the natural light and views while dining.

Most items on the menu here are included in your cruise fare but a couple had a small surcharge so check the menu before ordering to avoid a surprise bill.

The food here is fabulous, the service wonderful and it is just a really nice place for a relaxing meal. My tips are the mushroom ravioli and lasagna (so good I went back twice on my first cruise on Iona and three times on the second).

If you would like to eat at the Olive Grove my advice is to book as soon as you can. Evenings seem to get booked up very quickly, lunchtimes less so. You can always cancel if you change your mind.

Other eateries included in your cruise fare

Grab and Go

(Deck 16, Aft)

In theory, you are supposed to be able to pick up sandwiches and salads at the Grab and Go Bar. So, if you are heading out on a shore excursion or spending the day by the pool this would be a good option if you don’t want to interrupt your day and go to one of the restaurants or eateries onboard or onshore.

Except, it never seems to be open. It has not been available on any of the three P&O cruises I’ve done. So best to check before heading there and have a backup plan if you want to grab a snack to take out with you. It’s a great idea and hopefully will be open again one day.

Taste 360

(Deck 16, Midship)

If you get hungry during a long day by the SkyDome pool, fear not. Just a few steps away, you’ll find Taste 360 serving up freshly cooked burgers, pizzas and hot dogs alongside regional street food inspired by the destinations Iona visits.

To be honest, it wasn’t the best pizza I’ve ever had but for a quick snack it was perfectly fine. Plus its super handy to grab a bite to eat without having to head to the buffet or one of the main dining rooms.

Restaurants with an extra charge

The Beach House

(Horizon Restaurant, Deck 16, Aft)

A bit like a popup restaurant, The Beach House takes over an area of the Horizon Restaurant in the evening. The vibe is relaxed and fun. It is a bit of a halfway house if would like a casual dinner but don’t want to take your chances in the buffet.

The menu is inspired by American, Caribbean and South American cuisine so expect dishes such as steaks, grills, burgers, kebabs and various sharing plates.

The Epicurean

(Deck 17, Forward)

If you are looking for a fine dining experience inspired by the places Iona visits, then look no further than The Epicurean.

This grand elegant dining room is probably the most formal of all the restaurants onboard and the emphasis is on service and presentation. In fact, part of the meals are prepared in front of you so expect a bit of culinary theatre on display.

The Glasshouse

(Deck 7, Atrium)

Located in The Grand Atrium, The Glasshouse is a nice spot for a light lunch or dinner. Small plates such as lamb skewers, tempura king prawns and humous dips are served here. Or if you fancy something a bit more substantial look out for the steaks, sliders and fish and chips.

All dishes have a wine recommendation from P&O’s Food Hero, Olly Smith, for the perfect accompaniment.

If you time your meal right you might catch some aerial entertainment in the The Grand Atrium which is a sight to see.

The Keel and Cow

(Deck 8, Atrium)

Popular gastropub, The Keel and Cow is also located in The Grand Atrium. Dishes on offer include steak, pie and mash and the Prime Minister burger, which P&O claim to be the best burger at sea. There is also a selection of craft ales and bottled beers served here.

You can also get breakfast here apparently, though I only discovered that once I returned home. I don’t remember seeing it open in the morning. It would make a nice breakfast spot for a change so worth keeping an eye out to see if it does open for breakfast.

It does feel a bit strange having a couple of restaurants in the middle of the atrium but it kind of works. There is bit of a buzz and with views over the atrium and out to sea, it is a great spot for a bite to eat if you like to be in the centre of the action.

The Limelight Club

(Deck 6, Forward)

A combination of entertainment venue and restaurant, the Limelight Club pairs a three-course meal with performances by some of Britain’s musical talents. Recent acts include La Voix, Ray Quinn and Lee Mead.

So, if you are looking for an extra special night out onboard then this is for you. There is limited capacity in the club and the evening is very popular. So, if you’d like to book get in early. Bookings usually open around two or three weeks before you sail on your cruise personaliser.

After the dinner and show experience has ended, the club is open to all. The house band do a couple of sets and are very good – easily one of the best on the ship.

Sindhu

(Deck 8, Midship)

Celebrating the best of contemporary Indian cuisine but with a British twist, Sindhu is another one of Iona’s popular dining venues. The menu was not for me here so I haven’t eaten there. However, you’ll generally find good reviews if you do a quick search. My friends enjoyed their meal there too.

Other eateries with an extra charge

Ripples

(Deck 8, Midship)

There is always time for ice cream on holiday right? And the ice cream on Iona doesn’t disappoint.

Ripples, Iona’s gelateria is on deck eight and offers a wide selection of ice cream, lollies, gelato cakes and even a gelato afternoon tea. It’s very hard to walk past here and not grab an ice cream, it is that good. It is perfectly placed for dessert after dinner in The Quays. You can also get a Costa Coffee here.

Sundaes

(Deck 16, Midship)

Sundaes, next to the SkyDome pool on deck 16, serves up ice cream in a variety of flavours including chocolate, salted caramel, strawberries and cream and vanilla. Costa Coffees and teas are also served here.

Vista Cafe Bar

(Deck 6, Atrium)

At the heart of The Grand Atrium, the Vista Cafe Bar is the perfect spot to watch the world go by or enjoy fabulous sea views over a cuppa. Or in my case, do a bit of work/writing while trying not to be distracted by said sea views.

Open all day until late, the cafe serves Costa Coffee, Teapigs tea and a selection of cakes by Eric Lanyard. As a slightly obsessive tea drinker, the tea here is definitely the best on the ship and well worth the small charge.

The Last Word

While the choice of places to eat on Iona is almost overwhelming, it does mean pretty much everyone is catered for so you should find a dining option for you.

I found that once onboard, you quickly get a feel for which restaurants and eateries you prefer. Though it is tempting to have a crack at eating in them all!

The addition of The Quays is a great alternative to the buffet and was one of my favourite places to eat. It was perfect for an embarkation day lunch or a quick light dinner before an evening of entertainment.

Having a number of restaurants included in your cruise fare that could probably be considered speciality restaurants is also a nice touch. You can have a dining experience not restricted to the main dining rooms or the buffet at no extra charge.

Wherever you eat while onboard make sure you pack some trousers/skirts with an elastic waist. You’ll probably end up needing them.

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