If you’re looking for an unforgettable dining experience at sea, The Wake is a must-visit. Virgin Voyages’ elegant steak and seafood restaurant is one of the hardest reservations to get onboard and for good reason. With its sweeping aft views, glamorous setting and food that rivals land-based steakhouses, it’s easy to see why it’s a favourite.
Whenever I talk about my Virgin cruises, the food is usually the first thing I mention. Virgin burst onto the cruise scene in 2020 with a mission to redefine dining at sea, and The Wake is one of the best examples of how they’ve done it.
One of the most in demand restaurants onboard, The Wake offers fabulous food, stunning views, and an effortlessly cool atmosphere. So it’s no surprise it is one of Virgin Voyages most popular restaurants.
I’ve managed to eat here five times over my two Virgin Voyages cruises – and experienced breakfast, brunch and dinner – and it never disappointed. If you are cruising with Virgin Voyages, trust me, this is one dining experience you don’t want to miss.
At a glance
Not got time to read the whole post? Here’s a quick rundown on The Wake:
- Steak and seafood restaurant
- Stunning aft views (hence the name)
- Serves breakfast, brunch and dinner
- Included in your cruise fare, with a few “treat yourself” extras
- Laid-back but sophisticated vibe
- One of Virgin’s most in-demand dining spots – book early!
What is The Wake?
Located at the aft (back) of every Virgin Voyages ship, The Wake combines stylish design with breathtaking sea views. As you descend the dramatic staircase into the restaurant, the wood panelling and plush cream seating make it feel more like a high-end New York steakhouse than a cruise ship dining room.
Tip: For the most magical experience, book around sunset – the wake views through those floor-to-ceiling windows are spectacular.
Open for breakfast, brunch and dinner, The Wake is available on all Virgin Voyages ships.
The menu at The Wake
The Wake’s menu focuses on perfectly cooked steaks, fresh seafood and indulgent sides. Most dishes are included in your fare, though a few premium platters come at an extra cost. On other cruise lines this would be a specialty restaurant, but on Virgin it’s simply part of your dining experience.
Breakfast and brunch
A relaxed but refined affair, brunch at The Wake is one of my favourite ways to spend a sea day morning.
Starters
- Clam Chowder (poured at the table – a bit of theatre!)
- Fennel & Citrus salad
- Wedge Salad
- Poached Shrimp
I’ve had both the clam chowder and wedge salad a couple of times and both were delicious and not too filling. Gotta save space for the main course after all!
Mains
- Egg in a hole
- Brioche French Toast
- Steak & Eggs
- Benedicts: Avocado, Soft-Shell Crab, or The Wake (with pork belly, spinach and bone marrow hollandaise)
Desserts
If you still have any room after all that there are plenty of desserts on offer (yes for breakfast/brunch – well you are on holiday!).
- Meyer Lemon Cheescake
- Baked Alaska
- Apple Tatin
- Coconut ‘Panna Cotta’
My recommendations : I’ve had the clam chowder a couple of times – it’s creamy and indulgent without being too heavy. The avocado benedict is a favourite, and if you’ve still got room, the coconut panna cotta is light enough to finish with.
Dinner
Dinner at The Wake feels like an event. The setting, the service and of course the food all come together to make it a place to linger over a meal, whether you’re with friends or making it a date night.
Starters
- Clam Chowder
- Corn Custard & Black Bean Salad
- Wedge Salad (pictured below)
- Hamachi Crudo
- Roasted Bone Marrow
Mains (from the grill)
You have a choice of meats from the grill. All cooked to perfection. I’ve had the Filet Mignon twice and I’d definitely recommend it.
- Herb Roasted Chicken
- Hanger Steak
- Filet Mignon
- New York Strip
- New Zealand Lamb Chops (pictured below)
- Tomahawk Steak – ($75 supplement)
Sauces
- American-style steak sauce
- Tarragon salsa verde
- Romesco
- Bone marrow bearnaise
Seafood options
- Shrimp & Grits
- Pan-Roasted Atlantic Salmon
- Salt-Baked Dorade
- Crispy Polenta (vegetarian)
Treat Yourself Platters (extra charge)
If you really want to splash out and make it a night to remember, there are some seafood platters which come with an extra charge but having seen one of my dining companions try one, you definitely get a lot for your money. There are two options available.
- Petit Plateau ($45) – lobster, poached shrimp, steamed mussels, snow crab claws, clams
- Grand Plateau ($85) – lobster, oyster, crawfish, poached shrimp, steamed mussels, snow crab claws, Alaskan king crab legs
- Oysters are also available separately – half a dozen ($20) or a dozen ($40)
Of course, no dinner is complete without some sides. The Wake serves a range of vegetables (and fries!) that are the perfect accompaniment.
Sides
- Brown butter roasted wild mushrooms
- Green asparagus & guindilla sauce
- Creamed spinach
- French fries
- Twice-baked potato and caramelized onions
Dessert
- The Wake
- Meyer Lemon Cheescake
- Baked Alaska
- Apple Tatin
- Coconut ‘Panna Cotta’
My recommendations: I’ve had the filet mignon twice and it was outstanding, as good as any steakhouse ashore. If you’re more into seafood, the salmon was beautifully cooked. For sides, don’t miss the mushrooms and fries (trust me on this one, they were delicious).
Is there a dress code?
Virgin Voyages has a relaxed “come as you are” dress policy, so technically there’s no dress code. That said, The Wake is one of the more elegant venues onboard, and most people do make a little more effort here in the evening. You’ll be fine in smart-casual clothes – no tuxedos required.
Is The Wake really the most popular restaurant onboard?
From my experience – yes. While Pink Agave, Gunbae and Extra Virgin all have their fans, The Wake was always the hardest to book and consistently full.
Why it’s so popular:
- The views – no other restaurant onboard has such a dramatic setting
- The food – steak and seafood done to perfection
- The vibe – upscale but not stuffy, with just the right amount of glamour
Should you book in advance?
Yes, if possible! As The Wake is so popular, I’d highly recommend making a reservation via the Virgin Voyages app before you sail.
Reservations open
- RockStar & Mega RockStar sailors – 60 days before sailing
- Everyone else – 45 days before sailing
Visit their dining FAQ for more information.
That said, don’t panic if you miss out. Only a small percentage of tables are released ahead of time, with more available once onboard and some held for walk-ins.
On my last cruise I hadn’t booked anything in advance and still managed to dine at The Wake three times.
Tip: Don’t forget to look up – the ceiling is almost as impressive as the food.
The last word
The Wake is one of those restaurants that really sums up Virgin Voyages – stylish, indulgent and always memorable. Whether you go for brunch with sea views or steak night with friends, make sure it’s on your list.
I’d recommend trying both brunch and dinner if you can – your Instagram feed will probably thank you too.
Have you dined at The Wake? Let me know in the comments and tell me what your favourite dish was.
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