Sabatini’s vs Crown Grill: A Culinary Showdown on Princess Cruises

 

When it comes to fine dining aboard Princess Cruises, two names often rise above the rest: Sabatini’s Italian Trattoria and the Crown Grill. These specialty restaurants represent the pinnacle of the cruise line's culinary offerings, each delivering a distinct, upscale experience. Whether you’re a lover of authentic Italian cuisine or crave a high-end steakhouse vibe, deciding between the two can be difficult. This guide will dive deep into Sabatini’s vs Crown Grill, explore the menus, ambiance, pricing, and what to expect aboard ships like the Discovery Princess.

Sabatini’s Italian Trattoria: An Elegant Slice of Italy at Sea

Sabatini’s has long been a beloved staple on Princess Cruises. Originally designed as a classic Italian trattoria, it has undergone several renovations over the years—especially on newer ships like the Discovery Princess—bringing a refreshed menu, sleek interiors, and a more authentic feel.

A Modern Italian Experience

Sabatini’s focuses on regional Italian recipes, but with a modern, curated twist. The décor features clean lines, warm lighting, and touches of rustic elegance, invoking the cozy charm of Tuscany. It’s less about red-checkered tablecloths and more about upscale casual, blending warmth with sophistication.

From the moment you sit down, the experience is immersive. You’re greeted with warm focaccia bread and olive oil, followed by an amuse-bouche—often a chef’s choice like ricotta-stuffed zucchini blossoms or a mini bruschetta. The courses flow like a journey through Italy’s diverse regions, from Lombardy to Sicily.

Princess Sabatini’s Menu Highlights

While specific items may change seasonally or by ship, the Sabatini’s Princess menu consistently showcases:

• Antipasti such as Burrata Caprese, Prosciutto di Parma with melon, and seafood antipasto

• Handmade pasta dishes like Lobster Linguine, Gnocchi with braised short rib ragu, and Wild Mushroom Risotto

• Secondi Piatti (main courses) including Branzino alla Griglia (grilled Mediterranean sea bass), Osso Buco, and Veal Marsala

• Dolci like Tiramisu, Pistachio Gelato, and Ricotta Cheesecake with a balsamic glaze

Each course can be paired with a thoughtfully selected Italian wine, curated from regions like Tuscany, Veneto, and Piedmont.

The Price and Value

Dining at Sabatini’s incurs a cover charge (typically around $25–$35 per person), which includes a full multi-course meal. For the quality and ambiance, it represents solid value. Onboard wine packages or à la carte options are available for those interested in enhancing the experience further.

Crown Grill: A Steakhouse Worth Dressing Up For

If you prefer the smoky richness of a premium steakhouse, Crown Grill delivers an elevated surf-and-turf dining experience with rich wood interiors, moody lighting, and an open kitchen concept. This restaurant echoes the glamour of traditional American steakhouses with a maritime twist.

The Classic Steakhouse Ambiance

The Crown Grill feels like a retreat from the hustle of the ship—a serene, low-lit environment where the aroma of sizzling meats permeates the room. Dark wood paneling, leather banquettes, and fine linens transport diners to an era of timeless sophistication.

Waitstaff here are seasoned professionals who walk you through the cut of the day or explain the dry-aging process of your ribeye. This attention to detail contributes significantly to the overall experience.

What’s on the Menu at Crown Grill?

The Crown Grill menu focuses on aged beef and fresh seafood. Signature dishes include:

• Appetizers like Black Tiger Prawns, Seared Jumbo Scallops, and Lobster Cake

• Soup & Salads such as French Onion Soup, Baby Arugula with goat cheese, and Heirloom Tomato Salad

• Steaks & Chops featuring Porterhouse, New York Strip, Filet Mignon, and Bone-In Ribeye—grilled to perfection

• Seafood Selections including Maine Lobster Tails, Alaskan King Crab Legs, and Grilled Sea Bass

• Side Dishes like Truffle Fries, Creamed Spinach, Lobster Mac & Cheese, and Baked Potato loaded with fixings

• Desserts such as the Crown Dependable Molten Chocolate Cake and Apple Crumble à la mode

Customization is key at Crown Grill—guests can choose their steak temperature, specialty salts (like Himalayan pink or Hawaiian black lava), and preferred sauces.

Crown Grill Price Aboard Discovery Princess

The Princess Crown Grill price is generally around $39 per person. While slightly more than Sabatini’s, the price reflects the high quality of meats, seafood, and the bespoke nature of the meal. There’s also the option of ordering à la carte upgrades, such as lobster tail or a premium wine pairing.

Sabatini’s vs Crown Grill: Which Should You Choose?

Now that you know what to expect from each, the million-dollar question becomes—Sabatini’s vs Crown Grill: who wins? The answer depends entirely on your preferences and mood.

Atmosphere & Occasion

• Sabatini’s is ideal for those looking for a romantic, relaxed evening, especially if you have a love for Italian food or enjoy wine-pairing menus.

• Crown Grill is better suited for a celebratory night, anniversaries, or when you’re craving a hearty steak or upscale surf-and-turf.

Food Quality & Taste

Both restaurants use top-tier ingredients and offer exceptional plating. Sabatini’s leans into refined, Mediterranean freshness, while Crown Grill is all about robust flavors and bold cuts. If you love seafood, both are excellent—but for meat lovers, Crown Grill is unbeatable.

Menu Variety

Sabatini’s changes its menu more often and introduces regional specialties, making it more dynamic for repeat cruisers. Crown Grill keeps things classic with minor seasonal tweaks.

Dietary Needs

Sabatini’s typically has more vegetarian and vegan options, including plant-based pastas and soups. Crown Grill, while indulgent, is more limited in this regard but can accommodate dietary requests with notice.

Location & Accessibility

On ships like the Discovery Princess, both restaurants are conveniently located near the heart of the ship’s dining areas. Reservations are strongly recommended for both, especially on formal nights or sea days when demand is high.

Dining Packages and Inclusions

Princess Cruises offers dining packages that may include either or both restaurants, often bundled with wine or specialty cocktails. If you’re sailing on a longer itinerary, the Specialty Dining Package is worth considering—it gives you access to multiple venues at a discount.

Guests staying in certain suite categories may also receive complimentary meals at Crown Grill or Sabatini’s as part of their perks, so it’s worth checking your cabin benefits.

Final Verdict: Try Both If You Can

Truthfully, both restaurants are highlights of the Princess dining experience. If your cruise spans more than five days, try to experience both. Start the week with a pasta-filled evening at Sabatini’s and end it with a sizzling steak and wine at Crown Grill. Neither will disappoint.

If you're short on time or only choosing one:

• Go with Sabatini’s if you love Italian wine, delicate handmade pasta, and regionally-inspired entrees.

• Choose Crown Grill if you're craving a juicy filet, a rich lobster mac & cheese, and a classic steakhouse ambiance.

Insider Tips for Dining at Sabatini’s and Crown Grill

1. Make reservations early: Both venues fill up quickly, especially during formal nights or holidays.

2. Check for wine pairing nights: Occasionally, Sabatini’s hosts wine-pairing dinners featuring selections from Italian vineyards.

3. Dress smartly: While Princess Cruises promotes "Smart Casual," both restaurants trend toward dressier attire. You’ll feel more comfortable in a collared shirt or elegant dress.

4. Allergy or dietary requests: Inform your server ahead of time. Both kitchens are well-equipped to handle gluten-free, vegetarian, and allergy-sensitive meals with grace.

5. Don’t skip dessert: Sabatini’s ricotta cheesecake and Crown Grill’s molten lava cake are cruise-worthy all on their own.

Conclusion: A Culinary Voyage Worth Taking

Sabatini’s and Crown Grill each tell a unique story aboard Princess Cruises. One whisks you away to the rolling hills of Italy with the comfort of Nonna’s recipes, while the other elevates the American steakhouse tradition to luxury sea-going standards. Whether you're onboard the Discovery Princess or another vessel in the Princess fleet, these specialty dining experiences promise unforgettable meals and lasting memories. Sabatini’s vs Crown Grill on Princess Cruises

Next time you’re sailing, take the opportunity to indulge—Princess Cruises has made choosing between Sabatini’s and Crown Grill not a problem, but a privilege. Bon appétit and buon viaggio!