Norwegian Cruise Line has always done dining a little differently than other cruise lines.

It was the first cruise line to do away with set dining times and offer more traditional restaurant-style dining experiences. Norwegian wants to offer more freedom and flexibility for its passengers with what it calls “freestyle dining.”

Related: Carnival Cruise Line shares strict dining rule, portion problems

On each Norwegian cruise ship, passengers choose from as many as three main dining rooms, which have no set dining times or assigned seating. Complimentary dining options also include a buffet and multiple casual eateries. 

For a cover charge or with the cruise line’s “More At Sea” dining package, passengers can eat at a selection of specialty restaurants, which offer opportunities to explore a wide variety of cuisines.

With as many as 28 complimentary and specialty dining options, dining on a Norwegian cruise ship comes with a lot of decisions. Naturally, many foodie cruisers turn to the internet before they sail for recommendations to help them map out their on-board culinary adventures.

Here’s what the internet recently had to say about food that stands out on Norwegian Cruise Line ships.

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Norwegian Cruise Line passengers rave about specialty dining

In a popular thread within the Reddit community discussing dining options on the Norwegian Escape, fans recently shared the best dining experiences they’ve had on a Norwegian cruise ship.

Although multiple passengers praised the overall quality of Norwegian Cruise Line food, most shared that their favorite meals were enjoyed in four specific specialty dining restaurants.

The upscale French restaurant, Le Bistro, which is featured on many Norwegian cruise ships, stood out as a top choice.

“Le Bistro was absolutely amazing. I was legit impressed with everything,” said user PickaDillDot. “In fact, it was so good we cancelled one reservation and went there a second time.”

Related: Carnival Cruise Line shares dining option passengers want more of

Other passengers shared specific recommendations for what to try at Le Bistro.

“Le Bistro, I love the goat cheese croquette salad. The Lamb is awesome,” said user modernhomeowner. “The Tenderloin is perhaps the best steak on any ship I’ve been on. The Pear dessert is my go-to.”

Passengers also really like Norwegian Cruise Line’s tapas-style Asian-Latin fusion eatery Food Republic and its Cagney’s American-style steakhouse.

“Food Republic is the best thing on an NCL ship,” said user IndependentTaco. “If you’re a red meat person then check out Cagney’s. The potato puree is sooo good.”

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Passengers share tips for dining at Norwegian’s Brazilian steakhouse

Norwegian Cruise Line passengers also have much to say about the skewers of meat and grilled pineapple carved tableside at the cruise line’s specialty Brazilian steakhouse, Moderno Churrascaria.

The grilled pineapple was mentioned by multiple passengers as a must-try treat.

“Moderno, we concentrated on the flank steak, the Picanha of lamb and of beef, the pork belly, the cheese, and best of all, the pineapple,” said user lazycatchef. “Make sure you wait for a fresh one so you get the brown sugar crust!”

Related: Norwegian Cruise Line faces major app problem

One passenger also offered an important tip for making the most of your Brazilian steakhouse experience.

“Just FYI for Moderno…. make sure you have an appetite,” said user scotsman3288. “First time, we made the mistake of eating a late lunch before 6:30pm seating…. they will not stop bringing food to you. Second time, I probably ate 10 lbs worth of meat.”

In traditional Brazilian churrascaria style, the servers at Moderno will continue to carve meat for you until you slip into a “food coma.”

“We ate at Moderno twice. Both times we insulted our servers and all their past generation because we did not eat ourselves into a coma! It was hilarious!” said lazycatchef. “Of course, we loved our first meal there so much we ended the cruise there again!”

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