The Restaurant degli Argentieri, based on a splendid 18th-century palazzo, is split into two levels and is the ship's main dining venue. It is a visually exciting space lit by fun glass globes that look like escaped balloons hanging from the ceiling. Dozens of fine silver goblets are displayed in little nooks throughout the room.
The restaurant works on an assigned, two seating basis and is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner (6:15 p.m. and 8:45 or 9 p.m. on formal nights). The late seating is geared to European dining customs and is quite late for many Americans. We, in fact, were usually just leaving the table at 10:45 p.m. And that did not even include time for coffee, which Italians customarily drink at a bar rather than at the dinner table. You can, of course, order regular coffee in the restaurant, but not cappuccino (a breakfast drink in Italy) or espresso. For these, you must go to a bar.
Dinner menus play up the Italian theme, with a different region of Italy highlighted each night. A tasty pasta course is always offered before the entree. Costa's "Salute e Benessere," ("health and well being") menus offer low-fat, low-carbohydrate options. Vegetarian selections are always available as well and are listed on the regular menu. The wine list is reasonably priced (many bottles around $24) with a predominance of Italian wines.
At night, the elegant Club Medusa (Decks 10 and 11) is the ship's alternative restaurant. A very cool glass stairway leads up to the Club from Deck 9. We found the appetizers, in particular, to be superb (try the grilled sea scallops or shrimp pie). There is a $23 per person cover charge and reservations are required. After dinner, the Club's balcony level transforms into a cigar bar that's open to everyone.
Caveat: If you want a fine dining experience at Club Medusa, don't accept the back table by the galley and tucked under the stairs. We did, though the restaurant remained half empty all evening with plenty of better seats going vacant.
During regular mealtimes, the sprawling Perla del Lago Restaurant on Deck 9 serves uninspired buffet fare. The numerous stations offer different dishes, so it pays to explore. The pizzeria, for example, is a separate station near the rear of the buffet area. While soft ice cream machines are scattered throughout, different ones are switched on at different times.
Though the ship offers round-the-clock food service, off-hour choices are slim. The 24-hour room service menu lists a few soups, salads, sandwiches and desserts. All passengers may order espresso or cappuccino with their continental breakfast, a nice touch. Only suite passengers may order off the full restaurant menus for complete in-suite dining, including hot dishes for breakfast.
Costa is one of the few cruise lines to still offer a midnight buffet. The location changes nightly and may be served up as a tropical deck party, a galley visit, or an extravaganza in the dining room.
The two-deck Degli Argentieri Restaurant is located aft and features some fantastic views over the ship's wake. There are lots of larger tables and some banquettes around the perimeter. This room is relatively subdued and tasteful (reminding one of the dining room on Carnival Destiny). It should be noted in the Mediterranean first sitting dinner does not begin until 7:00 p.m., and late sitting does not start until 9:15 p.m. in keeping with European preferences.
Costa has made changes to the dining program aboard its ships sailing in the Caribbean. 24-hour food service is now available with extended breakfast, lunch and tea time hours, plus a Late Night Buffet form 1:30 to 6:30 a.m.
The Club Medusa, as mentioned above, is a wonderful retreat and simply a fantastic one night experience. Waiters and Maitre d's fuss over you all evening, and a proper wine steward is there to keep your glass full. Entrees have been added to the menu with cuisine supervised by two of Italy's most renowned chefs. The room doubles as a bar before dinner with complimentary gourmet appetizers from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m. After dinner it becomes a cigar bar, and there is live music during dinner itself.
Prepare you're taste buds to be tantalized by our award winning cuisines and
pastries. The Mediterranea is equipped with dining areas for the desires of
casual and formal dining. Meals for special diets are also available from
Diabetic to Low Cholesterol cuisines. If you're in the mood for Ice Cream,
Coffeehouse setting, and Pizza there are also Restaurants of Alternative
specialities available at your convenience. If your tummy starts talking after
hours, feel free to contact our 24 Hour Room Service to quiet your appetite.
