Dining on Iona: Our First Cruise Food Experience

Before boarding the ship, we took the advice of many cruise Youtubers and booked our dinner reservations in advance. There are plenty of included dining options on the Iona, but we wanted to make sure we tried some of the specialty restaurants too. With so many choices, it felt like a small adventure just deciding where to eat each night.

The Quays

As soon as we embarked, watched the drill and reported to our muster station, we headed straight to the Quays for fish and chips. The portion was smaller than what you’d get from your local chippy, but it was the perfect size for a light lunch. The fish was crispy, the chips cooked just right, and it was surprisingly good.

Fish and Chip at the Hook, Line & Vinegar in The Quays

The Quays on Iona is like a little food market by the sea, with spots for fish and chips, Asian-style dishes, and roast carveries all in one place. It’s casual, quick, and perfect when you just want to grab something tasty and enjoy the sea views on Deck 8.

Sindhu

Sindhu on Iona brings a touch of fine dining with its modern take on Indian cuisine, serving beautifully spiced curries, tender meats, and elegant plating. It’s the place for a slower, more indulgent meal that still feels warm and welcoming rather than formal.

We tried Sindhu on our first evening. I had the Beef Kali Mirch Masala while my husband went for the Monkfish Plichattu. The main came with rive, dal, vegetable thoran, and naan. The service was friendly. It felt like a special start to the cruise.

We came back here on the last evening. For starters, I had the spiced Lamb Cutlet, and my husband went for the masala dosa with samba and chutneys. For mains, he had the vegetarian thali, a selection of curries, rice, dal and bread. I had the lamb bhuna. I t was tender, and full of flavour. It was a fitting finale to our cruise dining.

The Olive Grove

Olive Grove on Iona serves up a taste of the Mediterranean with dishes like pasta, tapas-style bites, and classic Greek or Italian mains. It’s relaxed and stylish, perfect for when you’re craving something fresh and flavourful without dressing up too much.

We went to the Olive Grove, a Mediterranean-inspired restaurant with relaxed atmosphere. For starters, we had the Mediterranean Trio, including croquetas Iberico, calamari and baby chorizo along with halloumi with pimientos de Padron (ate the peppers before i took the photo). For mains, I had the Carne Pizza while my husband has Beef Bucco. For dessert, we shared Tiramisu and Crema Catalana. Both were rich but light enough to finish comfortably.

The Keel and Cow

Keel & Cow on Iona is the ship’s gastropub-style spot, known for its prime steaks, gourmet burgers, and the signature towering Tomahawk. It’s a cosy place to unwind with hearty food and a pint while watching the world drift by through the glass walls of the Grand Atrium.

For our first formal night we went to The Keel and Cow. To start, we shared the Salted Duck Drumsticks with Bao Buns, and Chicken and Bacon Rillette with Toasted Brioche. Both were very nice. For mains, I had the ribeye and he had the rump. These came with the usual trimmings.

We enjoyed it so much that we came back for lunch few days later. I had the sirloin this time, and my husband tried the Australian Black Angus Steak Katsu Sando.

If ever, i cruise with P&O again and go to The Kel and Cow, i would skip starters and try the desserts. Their selections look good.

The Beach House

The Beach House on Iona has a laid-back holiday vibe, serving favourites like sizzling steaks, fajitas, and seafood grills. It’s the kind of place that feels fun and casual, especially when you’re after a relaxed evening meal with a bit of flair.

One evening we chose The Beach House, a relaxed spot with a coastal flavours. For starters, i had the pork chicharrones, and he had the sweet potato and mozzarella crispy skins. for mains, we both had the lava rock Prime Fillet Steak with grilled king prawns. I gave him my prawns because i have allergies. It was fun cooking your own steak on a hot stone - a novelty for us which i will do again. For desserts, he had a banana split and i had a Golden Dulce de Leche tart. The meal was very indulgent, and the service was fast and friendly.

We went back to The Beach House for our second visit of the cruise. We started with crab tostadas and island-spiced chicken wings, both light but full of flavour. For our mains, we each had the taco trio - a mix of fillings that felt just right after a day of exploring. To finish, I had the rum-glazed roasted baby pineapple while he went for the coconut and chocolate bundino. Both were a sweet ending to a perfect day of fjord views and fresh air.

The Glass House

As we cruised along the calm waters of Innvikfjorden and Nordfjorden, we chose to dine at The Glass House, set in Iona’s Grand Atrium. With its floor-to-ceiling glass walls looking straight out to sea, it was a perfect spot to take in the fjord view over dinner.

For starters, we shared Korean Sticky Chicken Lollipops, Charred Galician Octopus with Cantabrian Anchovy fillets, and Mini Spiced Chickpea and Edamame Scotch Eggs.

For mains, I had the Trio of Beef, which are Braised Veal Cheek with Onion Cake and baby carrots, Coffee-braised Short Rib with Tenderstem Broccoli and Chimichurri, and Pulled Oxtail Bonbon with garlic mash and sticky red cabbage. My husband chose the Trio of Chicken, which are Corn-fed Chicken Breast in sweet soy with jollof rice, Tandoori chicken thighs with black lentil dal, and Southern-fried buttermilk chicken with waffle, maple syrup and peppered ranch dressing.

Included Dining, Quick Bites and Room Service

We also used the included options where we wanted something quick or simpler. Breakfast and lunch are in the main dining rooms were convenient, with friendly service.

The Horizon Buffet was handy for a light meal or snack or dessert, and we tried Taste 360 for quick pizza and hotdog. We did go back to The Quays for a casual Asian-inspited meal (I am Asian - I want my rice and noodles LOL).

We also tried room service on a sea day, which came with a small £2.50 charge. A smoothie and some pastries made for a relaxed start to the day without leaving the cabin.

Even for these simpler options were well done and made easy to keep our energy up between excursion.

Final Thoughts

We really enjoyed the food on the Iona. the specialty restaurants were memorable and varied, the included dining was convenient, and the room service felt like a small treat. It was the variety that made it special. You could have Indian fine dining one evening, a perfectly cooked steak the next, then grab pizza or buffet lunch during a busy day. Meals were flexible, relaxed and enjoyable, which made our first cruise enven more memorable.

Whether you are planning your meals in advance or keeping it casual, Iona has something for everyone. For us, the food was one of the highlights of the trip.