P&O Iona Restaurants - The Ultimate Guide 2024
P&O Iona | Restaurants | Dining | Menus | Photos
The Definitive Guide to Dining on P&O Iona 2024/2025
With 30 plus restaurants and bars on P&O Cruises family ship P&O Iona, including four main dining rooms (Pearl, Coral, Opal and Aqua) open for breakfast, lunch and dinner; freedom dining; complimentary dining and speciality restaurants, you will be spoilt for choice.
P&O Cruises’ flagship, Iona debuted to huge acclaim, and one of her many successes has been the dining options onboard. From the family favourite restaurants to some very special dining options. Let me take you on a gastronomique whistle-stop tour of the dining options available on this fabulous new ship.
All Images courtesy of P&O Cruises
List of P&O Iona Restaurants Overview
Pull Down List - Click on arrow for details ⬇️
Included Dining Venues
Horizon Buffet
The Quays
Fusion
Hook, Line & Vinegar
Boardwalk Diner
Freedom (Main) Restaurants
The Chef’s Table
Taste 360
Grab & Go Bar
The Olive Grove (some charged items)
For A Little Extra
The Keel & Cow
The Epicurean
Sindhu
The Glass House
The Beach House
Ocean Grill
The Limelight Club
Vistas Café Bar
Ripples
Sundaes
Flavours to explore, Quality to Dine For
From healthy eats to the downright indulgent, from hearty meals to delicate tastings, there’s a menu and a venue to suit every appetite and your every mood. Want to dress-to-impress for a romantic meal in an ultra-chic setting? Prefer to select a freshly made snack whilst catching the rays by the pool? Go ahead!
Each meal allows you to savour not only the moment but also the most delicious dishes. You can eat wherever and whenever you feel peckish as there is always a venue open somewhere onboard. Choose from modern British classics or flavours inspired by the destinations on your itinerary, and so much is included in the price of your holiday.
Freedom Dining on Iona
There are no set dining times on Iona - who needs a timetable on holiday? Instead Iona is the first ship to offer Freedom Dining across all venues. To help you choose where you would like to eat restaurants, cafes and bars have been categorised to inform your choice:
Fresh & Informal (Think delicious buffets, snacks, food on the go, etc.)
From buffets to poolside snack bars, these casual spots are the perfect places to stop by and tuck into a tasty bite. With options available all day and even late at night, you can enjoy delicious dishes whenever you feel peckish.
-
Horizon Restaurant
Taste 360
The Quays
Hook Line & Vinegar
Fusion
The Boardwalk
Grab & Go
The Olive Grove
The Beach House
Vistas Café Bar
Ripples
Room Service
Contemporary Flavours (Light bites or full multi-course meals focussing on modern British favourites)
From light bites to decadent dinners, there’s a menu for every appetite. You’ll find traditional British favourites and exotic world flavours available throughout the day, as well as special dishes created by the P&O Cruises Food Heroes.
-
Pearl
Coral
Opal
Aqua
Sindhu
The Glass House
The Keel & Cow
Served with Entertainment (unique venues offering cabaret style dining with entertainment)
Visit one of these unique venues and you might be treated to the sounds of a lively cabaret band or a solo singer during a sumptuous three-course dinner. Or you could hear secrets from the career of a famous chef while watching them create a mouth-watering meal.
The Limelight Club on Iona
-
The Limelight Club
Chic & Special (indulgent restaurants with the X-Factor - perfect for special occasions or just because you deserve it
Whether you’re celebrating a certain occasion or simply keen to indulge in an extra-special foodie experience, these restaurants have the wow factor. Settle into chic surroundings, enjoy flawless service and take your pick from delicately crafted, delectable dishes.
-
The Epicurean
The Chef’s Table
Afternoon Tea at The Epicurean
Family Favourites offering something for the whole family to enjoy.
Perfect for the whole family - promising great food and good times. Munch on burgers and hot dogs by the pool, sit down for a family meal to mark a special occasion, or head to the early children’s buffet tea to enjoy healthy options and treats for all tastes.
Image Credits: Horizon Restaurant, The Olive Grove (below): Partner Ship Design
-
Horizon Restaurant
Taste 360
The Beach House
The Olive Grove
The Quays
Hook, Line & Vinegar
Fusion
The Boardwalk
Ripples
Which Restaurants are Included In Your Holiday on P&O Iona?
From elegant meals in chic restaurants to fresh snacks by the pool when you need a nibble, you’re free to choose from mouth-watering menus throughout the day and evening. Take your pick from classic British dishes made from fresh ingredients, and flavours from around the world, including vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free and low-sugar options.
Horizon Restaurant
Fresh & Informal/Family Favourite
Delicious Buffet in Horizon Restaurant on P&O Iona. Image: P&O Cruises
Horizon Restaurant on Deck 16 Lido Deck on P&O Iona Image: P&O Cruises
Location: Deck 16 Lido deck between SkyDome & Infinity Pool (Port & Starboard)
Light and airy decor and sea views makes this self-service (buffet) restaurant a very pleasant option for any time of day. It’s an all-day dining venue so you can start and end your days here if you choose - serving breakfasts, lunches, afternoon tea, early children’s dinners and evening meals. If you still have room, you will find the all-night buffet. British favourites and food inspired by your destinations are served here. There are also vegan, vegetarian, low-sugar and gluten-free options.
Currently you will not be able to pile your own plates. Instead tell the servers what you would like and they will plate it for you.
Food/Menus in Horizon Restaurant
Breakfast - Early risers can enjoy a selection of cereals, pastries and continental fare. Main breakfast features full English breakfast items (yes, they do have the Brits favourite sauces/condiments) as well as cheeses and cold cuts too; a good choice of fresh fruit, yoghurt and cereals are also available as well as various pastries (croissants, Danish pastries etc.).
Lunch - For those wanting a lighter bite there is an array of fresh salads, wraps and panini. For those wanting something more substantial, you will find a daily carvery roast with all the trimmings, grilled items (fish, steaks, chicken etc.), and my own favourite, a range of authentic curries (the best at sea in my opinion) with all the accompaniments.
Afternoon Tea - displays of delicious sandwiches, rolls, dainty cakes and pastries miraculously appear mid-afternoon, together with the ubiquitous warm scones, Cream and jam.
Early Children’s Tea is served in one corner of the Horizon Restaurant from 5 pm, so little ones can keep to their routines (although I did see Dads tucking into the odd nugget and bowl of chips). Children’s favourites are on offer - pastas, fish fingers, chips as well as healthier options for little appetites. From margherita pizzas to poached salmon, and fruit jellies to ice creams there will be something to tempt their little tastebuds.
The Horizon Restaurant often gets a little makeover at dinner time to suit the theme if there is one such as Asian, Italian, etc. but whatever the evening, there will always be a wide choice of foods including British Classics.
The Quays
Fresh & Informal/Family Favourite
The Quays on P&O Iona. Image: P&O Cruises
The Quays, Deck 8 Promenade Deck on P&O Iona. Image: P&O Cruises
Location: Deck 8 Promenade Deck Between Aft & Midship (Mid-Aft Port Side)
The Quays is actually a lively upmarket food court or ‘dining piazza’ with a street food /beachfront promenade vibe. With direct access onto the Promenade Deck, alfresco dining is always a good choice (weather permitting).
The Quays offers three posh “fast food” restaurants (images from P&O Cruises):
Hook Line & Vinegar - an upmarket fish & chip shop which also serves a range of delicious seafood. The place to go if you crave crispy battered fish, calamari, fish burgers, scampi, crab cakes and more - and of course chips & mushy peas!
The Boardwalk Diner - American styled diner serving the ubiquitous but delicious hot dogs, chargrilled burgers and even Southern soul food such as Fried Chicken with a range of sides.
Fusion - A contemporary Asian takeaway for lovers of authentic flavours.
Freedom Dining Rooms - Coral, Pearl, Opal and Aqua
Contemporary Flavours
Opal Restaurant Foyer. Image: P&O Cruises
Pearl, Aqua & Opal MDRs on Deck 6 (Gala) on P&O Iona. Image: P&O Cruises
Coral MDR Deck 7 Parade Deck on P&O Iona. Image:P&O Cruises
Location: Deck 6 Gala Deck Aft (Pearl MDR) ; Mid-aft Port (Aqua); Mid-Aft Starboard (Opal MDR)
Deck 7 Parade Deck Aft (Coral MDR)
There are four main freedom dining rooms onboard Iona to accommodate all guests: Pearl, Coral, Opal and Aqua. A first for P&O Cruises, the restaurants are ALL Freedom Dining, meaning you can dine when and with whom you want. This type of restaurant on other ships used to be known as Main Dining Rooms (MDRs).
Open for breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner, they also each host the ever-popular Gala Night with a celebratory menu devised by one of P&O Cruises Food Heroes, celebrity chef Marco Pierre White. An opportunity to dress up and enjoy a fabulous 5-course menu!
All four restaurants serve the same delicious food and share the same menus. Whilst their décor may differ, they are all elegantly appointed whilst at the same time remaining relaxed and welcoming. They may be on a grand scale but they all offer more intimate, softly lit areas, should you prefer.
Each of the main dining rooms are on lower decks: Coral on Deck 7 (Parade Deck), and Pearl, Opal and Aqua all on Deck 6 (Gala Deck). Pearl and Coral are the largest of the Main Dining Rooms and are aft of decks 6 and 7, combining to make one large dining area over two levels. A feature staircase links the two, and full height windows ensure uninterrupted sea views.
Food/Menus in Coral, Pearl, Opal and Aqua Dining Rooms
Breakfast menu includes ‘Full English’ cooked breakfast, omelettes, continental breakfast, healthy options such as fruit and yoghurt, plus specials such as Eggs Benedict.
On the lunch menu you will find daily specials plus British staples such as shepherd’s pie and bangers & mash, as well as lighter options such as soups, salads, sandwiches and wraps and a choice of delectable desserts.
If you still have room, you can enjoy an indulgent Afternoon Tea with sandwiches, cakes and of course scones served with clotted cream and jam.
Dinner features a five-course menu with imaginative internationally-inspired dishes, as well as popular items such as prawn cocktail, steak, salmon etc. and of course delicious hot and cold desserts. Gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan information is clearly displayed.
Sample Menus For Freedom Dining Rooms
BREAKFAST MENU
LUNCH MENUS
DINNER MENUS
The Chef’s Table
Chic and Special
Fine Dining at Chefs Table on P&O Iona. Image: P&O Cruises
The Chef’s Table is an area within the Horizon Restaurant on P&O Iona.
Location: Deck 16 Lido deck between SkyDome & Infinity Pool
If you enjoy dressing up for fine dining created by celebrity chefs, you will love The Chef’s Table - and it won’t cost you a penny extra! On certain black-tie Gala Nights, a dedicated corner of the Horizon Restaurant is decked out to suit the occasion. It is here you’ll be served an exclusive menu created by three of P&O Cruises’ illustrious Food Heroes: Marco Pierre White and Eric Lanlard, with wines expertly paired by Olly Smith to accompany each course.
The Chef’s Table can be booked in advance of your cruise - your card details will be taken for reservation purposes only, but you won’t be charged. It’s like going to a Celebrity speciality restaurant but without the price tag.
Sample Menus The Chef’s Table on P&O Iona
Taste 360
Fresh & Informal/Family Favourites
Taste 360 logo Image: P&O Cruises
Taste360 Street Food Venue on Deck 16 P&O Iona. Image: P&O Cruises
Location: Deck 16 Lido Deck, Mid-ships (Port side) SkyDome
Let the array of goodies at Taste 360 hit the hunger spot. Will it be a fresh oven-baked pizza, a juicy burger or a regional street-food snack made using the freshest local ingredients? All yours to enjoy as you soak up the sights and sounds of SkyDome.
Taste 360 is one of Iona’s signature venues offering a street food style dining experience on deck courtesy of Local Food Heroes, Jose Pizarro and Marte Marie. Enjoy panoramic views while trying different flavours from around the world. Sample Spanish dishes created by chef Jose Pizarro on Iona’s itineraries to Spain Portugal and the Canary Islands; or on cruises to Norway, try Marte Marie’s home-style dishes. Menus are rotated.
Poolside Dining on Iona
Grab & Go Bar
Fresh & Informal
Location: Deck 16 Lido Deck. Aft (adjacent to Infinity Pool)
In a hurry? Want to take something to eat back in your cabin? Simply grab a bite from Iona’s poolside grill. Here you’ll find a selection of tempting snacks, ready and waiting to be picked up and enjoyed whenever you need a nibble.
Grab & Go is ideal if you are enjoying the Infinity Pool - but a great option if you would like to grab something to enjoy elsewhere, like your balcony or on the Prom Deck maybe.
“For a Little Extra” Speciality Dining On P&O Iona
A word about the following venues; you really should try to book as far ahead of your cruise as possible to avoid the disappointment of them being at capacity. If you can’t do so in advance (perhaps like me you are a last minute booker), then do make it the very first thing you do when you board as these venues are very much in demand.
The Olive Grove
Fresh & Informal/Family Favouites
Deck plan Deck 8 P&O Iona showing The Olive Grove
Location: Deck 8 Promenade Deck Between Aft & Midship (Mid-Aft Starboard Side)
The Olive Grove is an Informal restaurant situated mid-aft on Deck 8 (Promenade Deck) on the opposite side from The Quays. Serving the tastiest Mediterranean dishes, the flavours shine in authentic dishes, sharing platters and selected regional wines.
Within the modern rustic interior you could be forgiven if you forgot for an instant that you were at sea, but rather in a trattoria in Tuscany. However one glance at the floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the promenade and ocean beyond will remind you that you are indeed about to indulge in one of the best Italian restaurants at sea.
Everyone loves the sunshine, and The Olive Grove serve it up, Mediterranean style, all day long. Pull up a chair and take your pick from the region’s iconic favourites, from Spanish paella to Moroccan lamb tagine and grazing boards of tasty regional specialities – all perfect for enjoying with friends and family. Whilst most of the menu is included, some dishes attract a small supplement
Italian food is always a crowd-pleaser, and The Olive Grove is no exception so you should try to book as soon as you can for this one.
Sample Menus The Olive Grove on P&O Iona
The Keel & Cow
Keel & Cow on P&O Iona
Contemporary Flavours
Example Prices: Starters from £4.00 Main Courses from £5.50 Desserts from £3.00
Location: Deck 8 Midships
Head to this buzzing gastropub on Deck 8 for dry-aged steaks, British classics and the Keel & Cow’s legendary signature burger – The Prime Minister Burger, arguably the best burger at sea but be warned you will need a big appetite! (great value at £8.50)
From breakfast till late, this is the place to relax with friends, over beautifully crafted gastropub food and a fine collection of draught and bottled beers and craft ales (of course you can still get a good cocktail). So many options: will it be the signature burger, classic fish and chips, pie and mash or a prime steak from the dry-aging cabinet? Hard choices. Great food. If you enjoy the Great British gastropub vibe then do check this one out.
No booking required. Items individually priced.
Keel & Cow Sample Menus
The Epicurean
Chic And Special
The Epicurean on P&O Iona
(from £28 pp - Currently only available to suite guests at time of writing)
Location: Deck 17 Forward (Port Side)
Classic fine dining at its best with a modern British twist. The Epicurean is for lovers of the finer things in life, who enjoy dining in sophisticated yet contemporary surroundings. The menus are all you’d expect from such a high-end venue with some wonderfully incentive options (see menu below). If you are sailing a Norwegian Fjord itinerary look out for the Norwegian Tasting Menu created by renowned Norwegian chef Kjartan Skjelde.
Also not to be missed is the Eric Lanlard Afternoon Tea in The Epicurean. (see below).
Sample Menus Epicurean on P&O Iona
Sindhu
Sindhu on P&O Iona Image: P&O Cruises
Contemporary Flavours
À la Carte - Items individually priced
Starters from £5.50 Mains from £9.00 Desserts from £3.50
Location: Deck 8 Midships (Starboard)
Sindhu has long been a favourite across the fleet, renowned as it is for its exquisite authentic yet contemporary Indian food with a British twist - considered by many to be the best at sea. Served in opulent surroundings in luxuriously upholstered booths, the food is truly delightful. Whether you opt for one of the many spicy, aromatic curries, or something a little more decadent such as Kalyera Mappas, a Lobster, Seafood Biriyani, Spiced Coconut and Mango Sauce (GF), you will not be disappointed. TIP: This is one of the most popular restaurants on Iona so early booking is highly recommended
Sample Menus Sindhu on P&O Iona
The Glass House
The Glass House on P&O Iona Image: P&O Cruises
Contemporary Flavours
(Items individually priced)
Starters from £2.75 Mains from £8.00 Dessert from £4.50
Location: Deck 7 Midships
The Glass House is a wine bar - but not just any old wine bar, this one is curated by award-winning wine expert and P&O Cruises Food Hero, Olly Smith. Alongside a huge selection of wine, you can enjoy some light bites and nibbles, or more substantial lunch/dinner options including steaks and seafood with wine pairing recommendations. You can even indulge in a ‘Private Banquet for Two’.
The Glass House Sample Menus
The Limelight Club
The Limelight Club on P&O Iona Image: P&O Cruises
Served with Entertainment
Price dependent on performer - Advance Booking £25 - £28 (up to £35 if booked on board)
Location: Deck 6 Forward (Starboard)
The Limelight Club is a very special cabaret space where guests can enjoy headliner performers whilst enjoying a 3 course meal. It is an exclusively-adult venue and offers an intimate atmosphere in which to enjoy spectacular entertainment paired with an equally spectacular dinner. The menu courses are divided up into ‘The Rehearsal’, ‘Opening Act’, ‘The Headliner’ and ‘The Grand Finale’ - all with delicious options of course.
The Limelight Club Sample Menus
Vista’s Café Bar
Vista’s Cafe Bar on P&O Iona
(Items individually priced)
Location: Deck 7 Midships (Port Side)
For some speciality beverages with a great view! Your Costa Coffee favourites and TeaPig teas accompanied by some of Eric Lanlard’s exquisite patisserie and sweet treats.
Afternoon Tea
(various venues - free in Horizon and most main restaurants)
Location: Various
You can enjoy complimentary afternoon tea around the ship at different venues including the Horizon Restaurant. In Horizon it is served buffet style whilst in the restaurants it is a more formal affair and served by waiters to your tables. Expect finger sandwiches, delicious mini cakes and pastries and of course, the obligatory warm scones served with jam and cream.
Eric Lanlard’s Afternoon Tea
£17.50 pp
Eric Lanlard’s Afternoon Tea is a special treat. It is served in The Epicurean restaurant and waiters bring cake stands ladened with goodies to your table. My favourite savoury morsels were a little stuffed cheesy choux bun and some little salmon tartlets. Expect cakes sprinkled with gold dust and even the scones are given a special twist being infused with orange blossom, or raspberry and raw cacao. It really does feel like a very special occasion and will be a highlight of your holiday.
Location: The Epicurean on Deck 17 Forward (Port Side)
The Beach House
(from £7.50 pp)
Beach House Tacos on P&O Iona Image: P&O Cruises
Location: Deck 16 Midships (Starboard)
In the evenings, part of the Horizon Restaurant is transformed into The Beach House. Ideal for relaxed dining, this family favourite always gets the thumbs up. Tuck into American-influenced speciality dishes in a fun and informal setting. Inspired by South American, Caribbean and Stateside cuisines, The Beach House menu offers hearty dishes and comfort-food favourites. Save space for the decadent and delicious
desserts.
Sample Menu The Beach House
Ripples (Ice Cream/Gelato)
Location: Deck 8 Midships (Port Side)
Deck Plan Showing Ripples on P&O Iona
If you are an ice cream fan, then you will love Ripples on Deck 8. Ice Cream isn’t free on P&O Iona but you are bound to be tempted. You will find scoopfuls of holiday happiness at this family-friendly gelateria. Snowflake Luxury Gelato blends the best of British and Italian cultures in a range of artisan flavours. A traditional cone with your choice of toppings? A
gelato afternoon tea, cookie or sundae? With so many treats, you’re sure to be back for more.