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REVIEW: Is Disney’s Most Stunning Restaurant Themed to an Underrated Pixar Film?

Charlie

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We’re on the brand-new Disney Adventure cruise ship for the week, and we’ve been trying all of the amazing food! The Disney Adventure is themed after adventures from several Disney franchises, but there are actually THREE Luca restaurants that you can’t miss!


Let’s set sail!


The Pixar film got not one, not two, but three dining locations on the Disney Adventure, and we stopped by to check them out. Let’s dig in!



Get a sneak peek of the Disney Adventure cruise ship.

Palo Café​

The first Luca restaurant we stopped by to visit was Palo Café. This little stand serves coffee and pastries as a walk-up option, but also has a more extensive menu available if you sit down at one of the tables.


Palo Cafe


In the bakery case, we spotted croissant rolls, almond pastries, and filled doughnuts.


Bakery case


There is ample seating near the ordering stand with tables that seat 2, 4, or 6 people at a time.


Seating


Of course, it has an overarching Luca theme with artwork of Portorosso on the walls and Italian-inspired fabrics and decor.


More seating


For the sit-down menu, they have a couple of cocktails, some zero-proof selections, and wine. On the eats side, you can order Antipasto, salad, pizza, cannoli, a chocolate praline tart, or the Limoncello Tiramisu Bar. Sounds delish!


Menu


This would be a great spot to stop when the other dining areas of the ship are in rush hour, or if you just want somewhere quiet with a simple menu.

Palo Trattoria​


In the mood for something fancy? Head to Palo Trattoria. This is an adult-exclusive restaurant for guests 18 and up, and the menu is inspired by Northern Italian cuisine.


Entrance


Here, you can get antipasti, pasta, pizzas, seafood, and steaks. Reservations are required and should be made before your trip. However, you may be able to get a last-minute reservation once you board, you’ll just need to speak to Guest Services.


Host’s stand


This restaurant has its own bar if you’d like to order drinks before dinner. To dine in the Palo spaces, you’ll need to abide by the dress code for the restaurant, which is described in the following manner: “Formal or semi-formal attire is recommended. Also permitted is dress-casual attire with a polished look.”


The bar


But you guys, the inside of this restaurant is GORGEOUS. Blue wave-like designs cover the carpet, and metallic pearlescent light fixtures dot the ceiling. It feels like you’re dining inside the ocean. Seriously, our jaws were on the FLOOR.


STUNNING


There’s an upper and a lower level for seating, each with spectacular views. Dinner is the main meal served here, but brunch is offered on select days during cruises.


The view from above


Even the chairs are perfectly chosen to match with the color theme of the restaurant. Elegant Luca design for sure!


A table


Our favorite spot was this room with the fish art on the wall! It’s so intimate, cozy, and well-themed.


WOW


There are more overt nods to the film throughout as well, like this golden statue of Luca…


Decor


…and this artwork from the film.


Stunning artwork


We really loved this piece of Alberto and Luca on the shore. Brings a tear to our eyes!


We love this one!


Each Disney Cruise Line ship has a version of Palo onboard, and this might be the most gorgeous location yet.

Taverna Portorosso​


If you’re looking for a sports bar, Taverna Portorosso has you covered! This is the third of the Luca-themed spots, and it has some fun easter eggs.


Let’s go to the tavern!


The journey here starts with a STUNNING tile mosaic with Luca at the forefront. The town of Portorosso is in the back, bathed in warm evening light.


Stunning mural


There are tables throughout the bar set with menus for you to browse, and you can seat yourself when you walk in.


Seating


There’s a decent amount of seating between the tables and booths. We imagine it’ll get more crowded in here during more popular sports events.


Tables


The decor is Italian-inspired and there are little hints to the film throughout, like this framed newspaper clipping about a sea monster.


Decor


We love the little drawing of Alberto and Luca on the Vespa, too!


Little nods!


There’s a full bar available here, as well as specialty drinks on the menu. You can sit at the bar if you’d like.


The bar


And tucked away in one corner, we found the aforementioned Vespa!


The Vespa


Even the menus are themed to match the Vespa vibe. How cute are these?


Even the menu is themed!


The menu has a number of cocktails, some zero-proof beverages, beers, mocktails…


Menu


…wines, sake, and a selection of beverages sorted by ingredients. They also offer the famed Disney Cruise Line Sommelier Bin option.


Menu part 2


We started with the 150 Special for $12, which is made with Amaretto Disaronno Campari.


150 Special


This had a really nice, sweet, nutty flavor thanks to the amaretto. The Campari added a slight bitterness to it to make the drink feel balanced and not too sweet. It still leaned on the sweet side, but it wasn’t overwhelming.


150 Special


Next up was the 946 for $16. It’s made with Angel’s Envy Bourbon, Campari, Carpano Antica Formula, and strawberry.


946


This was probably our least favorite of the three. It was heavy on the bourbon flavor, and the Campari added a slight bitterness to it. The Carpano added some spicy notes, and the strawberry added a touch of sweetness, although it was overpowered by the bourbon flavor. It was complex and better for people looking for a slightly bitter, alcohol-forward drink.


946


And then, we had the Side Car for $12. It’s made with Absolut Pears, Bottega Limoncino, Grappa, and lemon.


Side Car


We loved this one, easily our favorite! It was sweet and easy to sip on. It has the delicious sweetness and slight tartness of a regular limoncello cocktail, but the pear adds a layer of fruitiness that makes it more unique. It’s for the sweet drinks people for sure.


Side Car


We also got a container of trail mix brought to our table with granola, chocolate, and dried cranberries. A nice touch!


Nuts


We’ve had so much fun exploring the Disney Adventure! Stay tuned to Disney Food Blog for more Disney cruise food!

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