One of our favorite specialty restaurants on any Norwegian Cruise Line ship is the Food Republic. This fusion eatery mixes up globally-inspired dishes in a casual atmosphere. So, when the cruise line’s newest ship, Norwegian Prima, launched, we had to visit this venue. Did this version of the restaurant live up to our expectations? Well, we have all the delicious details in our restaurant review of the Food Republic on Norwegian Prima.
Food Republic on Norwegian Prima Review
On Norwegian Prima, Food Republic is located on Deck 17 midship. This location is different than other ships, where it is on Deck 8. This new locale for the restaurant offers more natural light, amazing views, and more seating space.
The wide-open restaurant still maintains most of the character of the previous versions, with an open kitchen, a large counter, and minimalistic décor.
This starboard side restaurant is situated behind the new Mediterranean restaurant, Palomar. Further, it is adjacent to the Vibe Beach Club.
Typically, cruisers are able to pre-book specialty dining on NCL’s website or app. For this inaugural Norwegian Prima cruise, we were not able to make reservations before the sailing. Instead, we had to wait until we were onboard to secure our table.
Given the nature of this sailing, we actually ate with some friends during a hosted media dinner. Honestly, Food Republic is best shared with friends. That way, you can order a bunch of different items to sample.
Like many Norwegian Cruise Line specialty restaurants, the venue is priced a la carte. However, you can use a Norwegian Specialty Dining Package credit as well. Cruisers can select 4 items from the Food Republic menu when redeeming a credit.
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So Many Choices
Our reservation at the Food Republic on Norwegian Prima was not until 8:30 PM, which is late for us. Still, we were happy to take the slot as getting reservations at the specialty restaurants on our cruise was very difficult.
Upon arriving at the restaurant, we checked in with the host and were quickly escorted to our table at the back of the restaurant.
While the waiter took our beverage orders, cruisers complete all food orders through tablets on the table. So, we waited for our entire party to arrive before digging into the menu.
On Norwegian Prima, the Food Republic menu has not changed. This fusion restaurant offers several small plates, like dumplings and sushi, as well as noodles and rice. This time around, we went with several of our favorites.
Given Heidi’s picky palette, we focused on the items she would eat. These included the Thai chicken lettuce wraps and the Mexican street corn. Further, we made sure to add an order of the kimchee fried rice and the spicy Korean fried chicken.
Some of our colleagues started with sushi and dumplings, which piqued my interest. So, I decided to try the tiger rolls and the pork belly dumplings as well. Rounding out my selections were the teriyaki chicken and Peruvian beef skewers.
While you can stagger your order via the tablets, we opted to order everything at once. With so many options, it quickly became a jigsaw puzzle fitting all the dishes on our table.
Digging into Food Republic
It didn’t take long for the items to arrive. Among the first dishes delivered were the Mexican street corn and the sushi. The Mexican Street corn is topped with cotija cheese and a mild spice. While a bit messy to eat, it is delicious.
The sushi was a crunchy and tender combo of tuna, crab, and tempura shrimp. It was an excellent combo, topped with avocado, a splash of soy sauce, and a tad of wasabi. The plate was massive, so I made sure to offer some up to our tablemates.
From here, it was an onslaught of food arriving at our table. The spicy Korean chicken had just the right amount of zest with a light glaze. This is one of Heidi’s favorite dishes at the restaurant.
The beef skewers were tender, and the South American sauce added a mild, sweet finish. Likewise, the sweet and tangy teriyaki sauce blended well with the chicken skewers.
The dumplings were a classic take on this take-out staple. With a spicy soy sauce, these pan fried starters had a crispy outside with a tender and flavorful filling.
Just when we thought we were done, more plates arrived. Thankfully, the servings of each dish are just the right size.
The lettuce wraps offer two dipping sauces. By far, my favorite is the peanut sauce. The kimchee fried rice is always a staple side dish at Food Republic as well, so it’s too bad that it was one of the last items to arrive.
Since everyone else at our table was getting a final course, we decided to split a dessert too. The signature item at Food Republic is the green tea jar. With a sweet mixture of chocolate brownie, green tea flavored mousse, and a cookie crumble, it is the perfect ending to a multi-course feast of exotic flavors.
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Recap Food Republic on Norwegian Prima Review
As one of the more unique specialty restaurants at sea, we are glad Food Republic found a home on Norwegian Prima. This new location offers fantastic views and more space than the usual spot on Deck 8.
Like our previous visits, the restaurant shines with an array of flavors from distinct culinary traditions. With hints of Asian, Latin, and Mediterranean cooking styles and spices, Food Republic blends a bit of everything. The end result are fabulous dishes that you won’t find on any other cruise line.
The small plate setup allows cruisers to sample various items. With portions that are just the right size, one doesn’t feel too gluttonous ordering several plates.
When dining on the package, the restaurant is a great value. Most plates are priced between $10-$15. So, using a credit here certainly makes sense. Of course, ordering a la carte could be an option if you are looking for a lighter meal.
Norwegian Prima offers several dining options. While there are plenty of complimentary venues, Food Republic is certainly worth the up-charge for us. With a plethora of menu items, and the convenience of tableside ordering, it makes for a fun and distinct night out.
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