The new Viking Expedition vessels offer a number of dining choices. For dinner, cruisers have the option to dine at two sit down restaurants. One of them is the popular Italian restaurant, Manfredi’s. This complimentary alternative restaurant is a staple on the luxury cruise line’s ocean ships as well. So, we couldn’t wait to dine here during our 9-night Caribbean Connections cruise on Viking Octantis. Find out if the venue lived up to our high expectations with our Viking Expedition Manfredi’s Review.

Viking Expedition Manfredi’s Restaurant Review

Nestled on the starboard side of Deck 1, Manfredi’s is open for dinner every night of the cruise. Yes, reservations are required.

Pre-cruise, we were able to reserve one evening at this restaurant. Once onboard, we booked a table for 4 later in the cruise.

Depending on your stateroom category, most cabins are allowed to make at least one pre-cruise reservation at this popular restaurant. We highly recommend you use that privilege, as this venue tends to book up quickly. Trust us, you will not be disappointed.

This alternative restaurant on Viking Octantis is quite large. Manfredi’s on Viking Expedition can hold approximately 120 guests at one time.

While the service was bit slow during both our visits, the waitstaff delivered that personal, knowledgeable service you expect from Viking.

At least the cruise line includes beer and wine with meals to make up for the wait times!

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Inside the Restaurant

Viking Expedition Manfredi’s maintains much of its character and design elements from the ocean cruise ships.

The entrance of the restaurant features the hallmark sign, with a bright red door providing a colorful accent piece for those waiting for the venue to open.

Once inside, you will find a small pasta station and antipasto bar, much like the larger homemade bread and pasta counter that greets you on Viking Ocean cruise ships.

The décor and design ascetic of the venue transports you to a scene from a 1950’s movie. Featuring black topped tables, leather backed chairs, and geometric flooring, it has an Italian social club vibe. In fact, the restaurant would fit right into any Little Italy neighborhood in a major metropolitan city.

The dark tones give the restaurant a warm and intimate feel that is distinct from the main dining room across the way.

With uninhibited views of the open kitchen, Viking Expedition Manfredi’s promotes engaging conversation and exquisitely prepared meals.

For Starters at Manfredi’s on Viking Octantis

For our first dining experience, we received a table for 2 next to the windows. During our second outing with friends, we split a table on the inside wall.

Given we had two reservations at Manfredi’s, we opted to try several different items. First though, each meal started with the signature bread basket.

On the first night, I could not pass up the fried calamari. This fresh and crispy squid came with a marinara sauce for dipping. This classic Italian dish did not disappoint.

On the return trip, I went with another classic, the antipasti platter. After all, this signature appetizer is prepared in house by a line chef at the front of the restaurant. This plate was overflowing with a selection of meats and marinated vegetables. On a side note, the parmesan cheese that is served with the oil and bread pairs equally well with this starter.

To begin her first dinner at Manfredi’s, the wife did the Caprese salad. The rich, creamy burrata paired well with the tomato and greens. On the second night, she tried the polenta, which did not resonate as well with her taste buds.

Pasta, Of Course

During our first dinner here, the wife opted to order the pasta special as her main course. This spaghetti carbonara came in a rich and flavorful cream sauce. Served al dente, it was a hearty and satisfying entrée. 

On our second visit, I was peer pressured into ordering a pasta course as well. Honestly, it didn’t take much convincing to sample one of the signature dishes.

While I asked for a half order of the tagiolini pasta with lobster, I am pretty sure it was a full order. With a spicy tomato sauce, this pasta was excellent. The full lobster tail gave the dish a unique twist.

On the second night, the Princess also went with a pasta dish for her main course. This time around, she tried the ravioli cacciatore. These cheese filled raviolis were served with a mixture of shredded chicken and vegetables in a marina sauce. While she did enjoy this dish, her favorite was the special from the first night.

Signature Selections

If you have dined at this restaurant on other Viking ships, you are familiar with the signature steak. Happily, I can report that the Bistecca Fiorentina on Viking Octantis was outstanding.

Cooked to a medium rare temperature, this thick cut ribeye is bursting with flavor. While the cut of beef alone is rich and tender with plenty of marbling, the restaurant enhances it even further with a house blend of spices. The end result is a mouthwatering steak with plenty of zest that melts in your mouth. 

Not that I needed them, but I also added a side of the truffle and rosemary potatoes. This side was rather basic, but it is hard to compete with one of the best steaks at sea.

On our return visit, I went with something a bit unusual for me as my entrée, the veal Milanese. The massive, thinly sliced and breaded cutlet took up the entire plate. For me, there was a bit too much breading, and the veal was a tad over-cooked.

Still, I had already devoured plenty during this visit.

You can always judge an Italian restaurant by its desserts. Given we visited twice, we were able to sample most of the offerings. For me, the classic tiramisu was just that, pretty classic. This coffee flavored treat had the right proportions and consistency, but it did not wow us.

What did wow me was the panna cotta crumble cake. This warm Italian dessert was sweet and tangy but not overpowering.

On the second night, I tried the pistachio cake. Surprisingly, it was better than I anticipated. The nutty flavor and firm texture were reminiscent of an Italian biscotti.

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Recap of Viking Expedition Manfredi’s Review

Given our 9-night itinerary on Viking Octantis, we were fortunate to dine at Viking Expedition Manfredi’s twice. Each outing delivered well executed starters, entrees, and desserts. While service on both occasions was slow, the excellent waitstaff more than made up for the delays.

Since Manfredi’s is a complimentary venue, it’s hard to find an excuse not to dine here at least once.

Even if you are an avid Viking cruiser, you will want to test out this iteration of the restaurant as the menu is slightly different. The pasta was hearty with delicately prepared sauces, while the entrees provided platefuls of Italian classics, including one of the best steaks at sea.

For us, one missing menu item was the chicken parmesan. This is one of the wife’s go-to dishes at this restaurant on the ocean ships. Still, she was able to find selections that more than satisfied her appetite.

Whether dining alone or with friends, Viking Expedition Manfredi’s provides an elegant and delicious dining experience. Regardless of your itinerary, we highly recommend you take advantage of this complimentary dining venue during your Viking Octantis (or Viking Polaris) cruise.

Comments

Have you dined at Manfredi’s on a Viking cruise ship? What are some of your favorite dishes at this venue? Drop us an anchor below to share your experiences dining at this alternative restaurant.