Welcome to my Carnival Mardi Gras Restaurants and Dining Food guide. This post will share information & tips about the many places to eat on the Mardi Gras and includes links to menus or further information, where possible. Mardi Gras has many complimentary/free places to eat onboard and some that cost extra so I have tried to note what is free versus extra throughout the post.
Venues, menus, and pricing may be subject to availability and could change at any time!
More Carnival Food & Dining Tips:
Carnival Cruise Food Tips
Carnival Cruise Ship Food Guides
Venues, menus, and pricing may be subject to availability and could change at any time!
More Carnival Food & Dining Tips:
Carnival Cruise Food Tips
Carnival Cruise Ship Food Guides
1. Lido Marketplace
The Carnival Mardi Gras' Lido Marketplace is a complimentary buffet that has breakfast, lunch, and dinner options depending on the time of day.
2. Big Chicken
The Big Chicken is a complimentary venue created by Carnival's Chief Fun Officer, Shaq, and offers a variety of fried chicken sandwiches, a fried chicken basket, fries, potato salad, and jalapeno slaw. Guests can also get chicken tenders or a basket of fried chicken. A grilled chicken sandwich option is usually available. All Day Breakfast is available typically from 7am until 3pm (hours vary so check onboard) and this All Day Breakfast menu includes Chicken & Biscuit, Three Cheese Omelette, and Biscuit & Egg.
Click Here For The Big Chicken Full Menu
Location: Deck 16 (Aft) Near The Tides Pool
3. Guy's Burger Joint
Guy's Burger Joint is Carnival's popular burger spot that is inspired by Guy Fieri. On the Mardi Gras guests can select from the standard Guy's Burger Joint Menu: Straight Up, Plain Jane, The Ringer, Chilimus Maximus, and Pig Patty. A Guy's Burger is not complete without Carnival's hand cut fries that are seasoned with Guy's Signature seasoning. The Guy's Burger Joint on the Mardi Gras is complimentary.
Location: Deck 17 Near Mid-Ship Elevators (By Club 02 Youth Lounge)
Click Here For Guy's Burger Joint Menus & Additional Info
4. Blue Iguana Cantina
Carnival's Blue Iguana Cantina is a complimentary breakfast and lunch venue. No matter the meal, when the Blue Iguana Cantina is open there is a salsa bar available with a variety of freshly made salsas & toppings!
Click Here For Blue Iguana Cantina Menus & Additional Info
5. Street Eats
Street Eats is an exciting complimentary option Carnival has on the Mardi Gras that is really three different food lines! Steam Dream, Time Fries, and Mad Sizzle are all part of Mardi Gras' Street Eats and serve rotating global dishes each day of the cruise, typically at lunch-time.
Location: Deck 16 near the Beach Pool
The Carnival Mardi Gras' Lido Marketplace is a complimentary buffet that has breakfast, lunch, and dinner options depending on the time of day.
- Breakfast: Exact food varies by the day. Breakfast usually includes a Continental Breakfast buffet station with fruit & pastries. A general breakfast buffet station includes rotating foods including, but not limited to, potatoes, bacon, ham, beans, french toast, pancakes, waffles, bagels, yogurt, scrambled eggs, and more.
- Lunch: A lunch buffet is available daily with rotating selections of food. Mardi Gras' Lido Marketplace has a dessert station, Shawarma, salad bar, and Seadogs station.
- Dinner: At dinner, the Mardi Gras' Lido Marketplace place serves a complimentary casual buffet dining experience. Carnival changes the options nightly, but their website says a sample of options include a variety of pastas, steaks, prime rib, grilled chicken, specialty salad, desserts, and daily Chef's special.
- Beverages: The Lido Marketplace serves coffee, hot tea, lemonade and unsweet tea 24 hours a day. These are complimentary. Juice is also available during breakfast hours and typically includes orange juice, apple juice, and guava juice. A self-service soda machine is available in the buffet and guests can scan their Sail & Sign card to use their drink package to dispense soda or otherwise can pay by the ounce.
- Swirls: The Mardi Gras has self-service ice cream & frozen yogurt machines available from 9am until 11pm.
- Pour Your Own Beer & Pour Your Own Soda stations are available (at a charge) for guests to use from 9am until 11pm.
2. Big Chicken
The Big Chicken is a complimentary venue created by Carnival's Chief Fun Officer, Shaq, and offers a variety of fried chicken sandwiches, a fried chicken basket, fries, potato salad, and jalapeno slaw. Guests can also get chicken tenders or a basket of fried chicken. A grilled chicken sandwich option is usually available. All Day Breakfast is available typically from 7am until 3pm (hours vary so check onboard) and this All Day Breakfast menu includes Chicken & Biscuit, Three Cheese Omelette, and Biscuit & Egg.
Click Here For The Big Chicken Full Menu
Location: Deck 16 (Aft) Near The Tides Pool
3. Guy's Burger Joint
Guy's Burger Joint is Carnival's popular burger spot that is inspired by Guy Fieri. On the Mardi Gras guests can select from the standard Guy's Burger Joint Menu: Straight Up, Plain Jane, The Ringer, Chilimus Maximus, and Pig Patty. A Guy's Burger is not complete without Carnival's hand cut fries that are seasoned with Guy's Signature seasoning. The Guy's Burger Joint on the Mardi Gras is complimentary.
Location: Deck 17 Near Mid-Ship Elevators (By Club 02 Youth Lounge)
Click Here For Guy's Burger Joint Menus & Additional Info
4. Blue Iguana Cantina
Carnival's Blue Iguana Cantina is a complimentary breakfast and lunch venue. No matter the meal, when the Blue Iguana Cantina is open there is a salsa bar available with a variety of freshly made salsas & toppings!
- Breakfast: Guests can get breakfast burritos or arepas and huevos rancheros.
- Lunch: Guests can do a build your own burrito or get a taco from the taco line! The taco meat options usually include pork, chicken, or fish.
Click Here For Blue Iguana Cantina Menus & Additional Info
5. Street Eats
Street Eats is an exciting complimentary option Carnival has on the Mardi Gras that is really three different food lines! Steam Dream, Time Fries, and Mad Sizzle are all part of Mardi Gras' Street Eats and serve rotating global dishes each day of the cruise, typically at lunch-time.
Location: Deck 16 near the Beach Pool
6. Flamingo & Palm Restaurants
The Flamingo and Palm Restaurants are the Mardi Gras' main dining rooms and are complimentary (there are options at each meal that cost extra, but those are noted on the menus onboard).
The Flamingo and Palm Restaurants are the Mardi Gras' main dining rooms and are complimentary (there are options at each meal that cost extra, but those are noted on the menus onboard).
- Breakfast: The Palm Restaurant is usually open for breakfast on port days. For more information about breakfast please click here for my post.
- Sea Day Brunch: The Palm Restaurant is usually open for sea-day brunch on sea days. For more information about Sea Day Brunch please click here for my post.
- Dinner: Guests may be assigned to YourTime Dining, Early Seating, or Late Seating. The exact seating will determine which dining room a guest is assigned. Typically guests assigned to Your-Time Dining will check-in via the Carnival Hub App and be assigned to a table on Deck 7 of the Palm Restaurant. Guests with early or late seating are usually assigned to a table in the Palm Restaurant's Deck 6 level or the Atlantic Restaurant. Dinner menus will vary by night of the cruise.
Click Here For Sample Menus - Tea Time: On sea days the Mardi Gras hosts tea time in the Palm Restaurant. Check your FunTimes or Carnival Hub App for the exact time & location. This event is mostly complimentary, but there are some tea selections available at an additional charge. Click Here For Additional Tea Time Information
7. Carnival Kitchen
Carnival Kitchen is a venue where culinary classes are taught. The exact course taught varies throughout the cruise but sometimes classes are offered on topics such as pastas, cakes, BBQ, pizza, pies, and many others. Reservations to this are required and due to the size being small can fill up quickly.
Location: Deck 6 Mid-Ship
8. Fahrenheit 555 Steakhouse
Fahrenheit 555 Steakhouse is Mardi Gras' onboard steakhouse. This venue accepts reservations and there is a fee for dining in the Fahrenheit 555 Steakhouse. Some of the typical steakhouse options include items such as USDA Prime New York Strip Loin Steak, USDA Prime Cowboy Steak, Australian Wagyu, Spice Rubbed USDA Ribeye, Broiled Filet Minion, Surf & Turf, Grilled Lamb Chops, Farm Chicken, Grilled Lamb Chops, Colossal Shrimp, and Dover Sole.
Reservations can be made pre-cruise on Carnival's website through your Booking Manager or you can make them onboard.
Location: Deck 7 Mid-Ship
9. Guy's Pig & Anchor Smokehouse & Brewhouse
Guy's Pig & Anchor Smokehouse & Brewhouse is what Carnival describes as "A complimentary menu featuring Guy's favorite down-home smoked-on-board barbecue and traditional sides and desserts". Carnival advertises this venue is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner (though I don't think the breakfast menu is BBQ related). This venue has a brewery (bar prices apply) and frequently has live music, primarily in the evenings.
Location: Deck 8 AFT
10. Piazza Panini (Deli)
The Mardi Gras' Piazza Panini serves sandwiches and hot dogs. This venue is complimentary and is typically open for lunch and dinner. Carnival advertises this venue closes at 11pm.
Location: Deck 8 Mid-Ship
11. Pizzeria Del Capitano
The Mardi Gras' Pizzeria Del Capitano is the onboard pizzeria that serves guests complimentary thin sliced pizza. Typical pizza flavors include Pepperoni, Margherita, Quattro Formaggi, Funghi, and Prosciutto. Typically, Pizzeria Del Capitano is open for lunch dinner, and into the very late night/early morning. Exact closing time may vary so check the Carnival Hub App or your FunTimes.
If you don't want to wait in line for pizza at the Pizzeria Del Capitano on the Mardi Gras you can typically buy pizza through the Carnival Hub App and have it delivered to you.
Location: Deck 8 Mid-Ship
Carnival Kitchen is a venue where culinary classes are taught. The exact course taught varies throughout the cruise but sometimes classes are offered on topics such as pastas, cakes, BBQ, pizza, pies, and many others. Reservations to this are required and due to the size being small can fill up quickly.
Location: Deck 6 Mid-Ship
8. Fahrenheit 555 Steakhouse
Fahrenheit 555 Steakhouse is Mardi Gras' onboard steakhouse. This venue accepts reservations and there is a fee for dining in the Fahrenheit 555 Steakhouse. Some of the typical steakhouse options include items such as USDA Prime New York Strip Loin Steak, USDA Prime Cowboy Steak, Australian Wagyu, Spice Rubbed USDA Ribeye, Broiled Filet Minion, Surf & Turf, Grilled Lamb Chops, Farm Chicken, Grilled Lamb Chops, Colossal Shrimp, and Dover Sole.
Reservations can be made pre-cruise on Carnival's website through your Booking Manager or you can make them onboard.
Location: Deck 7 Mid-Ship
9. Guy's Pig & Anchor Smokehouse & Brewhouse
Guy's Pig & Anchor Smokehouse & Brewhouse is what Carnival describes as "A complimentary menu featuring Guy's favorite down-home smoked-on-board barbecue and traditional sides and desserts". Carnival advertises this venue is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner (though I don't think the breakfast menu is BBQ related). This venue has a brewery (bar prices apply) and frequently has live music, primarily in the evenings.
Location: Deck 8 AFT
10. Piazza Panini (Deli)
The Mardi Gras' Piazza Panini serves sandwiches and hot dogs. This venue is complimentary and is typically open for lunch and dinner. Carnival advertises this venue closes at 11pm.
Location: Deck 8 Mid-Ship
11. Pizzeria Del Capitano
The Mardi Gras' Pizzeria Del Capitano is the onboard pizzeria that serves guests complimentary thin sliced pizza. Typical pizza flavors include Pepperoni, Margherita, Quattro Formaggi, Funghi, and Prosciutto. Typically, Pizzeria Del Capitano is open for lunch dinner, and into the very late night/early morning. Exact closing time may vary so check the Carnival Hub App or your FunTimes.
If you don't want to wait in line for pizza at the Pizzeria Del Capitano on the Mardi Gras you can typically buy pizza through the Carnival Hub App and have it delivered to you.
Location: Deck 8 Mid-Ship
12. Cucina Del Capitano
On the Mardi Gras, Cucina Del Capitano is an Italian restaurant that serves a variety of Italian dishes. Cucina Del Capitano on the Mardi Gras works differently than some of Carnival's older ships as on the Mardi Gras this is considered an alternative to the main dining room. Guests on Mardi Gras can dine one complimentary time in Cucina Del Capitano and then each additional visit costs extra ($8 per person at the time of writing).
Reservations cannot be made pre-cruise to dine at Cucina Del Capitano on the Mardi Gras.
Location: Deck 8 Mid-Ship
13. Bonsai Sushi
Bonsai Sushi is the Mardi Gras' onboard sushi restaurant. This venue serves a variety of sushi dishes at ala carte pricing. On sea days this venue is usually open at lunch & dinner and there is a fee per dish or item ordered.
Click Here For Bonsai Sushi Menu & Additional Information
Location: Deck 8 Mid-Ship
14. Bonsai Teppanyaki
The Bonsai Teppanyaki on the Mardi Gras offers guests an experience to dine while watching their chef perform the art of cooking the food. Some of the main course options include lobster tail, salmon, shrimp, filet mingion, and more! Each meal comes with an appetizer, main course, and dessert! This venue has a reservation fee and is open at both lunch & dinner. You can reserve a dining spot online through your Carnival Booking Manager.
Location: Deck 8 Mid-Ship
15. Rudi's Seagrill
Rudi's Seagrill on the Mardi Gras features a variety of seafood selections in a setting inspired by Rudi Sodamin. This venue has a reservation fee and guests sailing the Mardi Gras can make a reservation pre-cruise through their Carnival Booking Manager. The reservation fee includes a starter, entree, dessert, and the gratuity for the waitstaff. This sit-down venue is typically only open at dinner.
Location: Deck 8 AFT
Click Here For Rudi's Seagrill Menu & Additional Information
16. Chibang
Chibang on Mardi Gras is open at both lunch & dinner. This venue feature a variety of Mexican and Chinese dishes and allows guests to experience both types of food for their dining experience.
Location: Deck 8 FWD
On the Mardi Gras, Cucina Del Capitano is an Italian restaurant that serves a variety of Italian dishes. Cucina Del Capitano on the Mardi Gras works differently than some of Carnival's older ships as on the Mardi Gras this is considered an alternative to the main dining room. Guests on Mardi Gras can dine one complimentary time in Cucina Del Capitano and then each additional visit costs extra ($8 per person at the time of writing).
Reservations cannot be made pre-cruise to dine at Cucina Del Capitano on the Mardi Gras.
Location: Deck 8 Mid-Ship
13. Bonsai Sushi
Bonsai Sushi is the Mardi Gras' onboard sushi restaurant. This venue serves a variety of sushi dishes at ala carte pricing. On sea days this venue is usually open at lunch & dinner and there is a fee per dish or item ordered.
Click Here For Bonsai Sushi Menu & Additional Information
Location: Deck 8 Mid-Ship
14. Bonsai Teppanyaki
The Bonsai Teppanyaki on the Mardi Gras offers guests an experience to dine while watching their chef perform the art of cooking the food. Some of the main course options include lobster tail, salmon, shrimp, filet mingion, and more! Each meal comes with an appetizer, main course, and dessert! This venue has a reservation fee and is open at both lunch & dinner. You can reserve a dining spot online through your Carnival Booking Manager.
Location: Deck 8 Mid-Ship
15. Rudi's Seagrill
Rudi's Seagrill on the Mardi Gras features a variety of seafood selections in a setting inspired by Rudi Sodamin. This venue has a reservation fee and guests sailing the Mardi Gras can make a reservation pre-cruise through their Carnival Booking Manager. The reservation fee includes a starter, entree, dessert, and the gratuity for the waitstaff. This sit-down venue is typically only open at dinner.
Location: Deck 8 AFT
Click Here For Rudi's Seagrill Menu & Additional Information
16. Chibang
Chibang on Mardi Gras is open at both lunch & dinner. This venue feature a variety of Mexican and Chinese dishes and allows guests to experience both types of food for their dining experience.
- Lunch: At lunch Chibang has two build your own bowls, one for Chinese food and the other for Mexican food. Chinese Noodle Bowls are available with a variety of custom options & toppings. Mexican Noodle Bowls are also available with a variety of custom options & toppings.
- Dinner: At dinner, Chibang has a Mexican and Chinese food menu available to guests. This is considered an alternative to the main dining room and guests can dine at dinner one time at Chibang complimentary. Each additional visit will incur a fee.
Location: Deck 8 FWD
17. Seafood Shack
The Seafood Shack on the Mardi Gras s a New England inspired seafood restaurant. Guests can purchase seafood by the plate or bucket, depending on the menu available. Some seafood is steamed while others are fried. A soup of the day is also usually available. Prices are ala carte and posted on the onboard menu.
Location: Deck 16 - near the Street Eats and Beach Pool
Click Here For Seafood Shack Menu & Information
18. Fresh Creations
Fresh Creations is a complimentary eatery that is part of Mardi Gras' Serenity Adults Only Retreat. Fresh Creations serves a variety of salads as well as a "build your way" option.
Location: The Serenity Adults Only Retreat on the Mardi Gras' is located on Deck 18 FWD. Fresh Creations can be found within the Serenity Adults Only Retreat.
19. Room Service
Room Service on the Mardi Gras is another way to get food. At breakfast there are some complimentary room service options available, but non-breakfast hours will involve a charge per dish.
Click Here For More Room Service Information
20.Emeril's Bistro 1396
Emeril's Bistro 1396 is a Creole themed restaurant space that serves breakfast, lunch, & dinner to Mardi Gras guests at an extra charge. Guests eating at Emeril's Bistro can treat themselves to selections such as breakfast po-boys, bananas fosters crepes, or shrimp and grits. Lunch & dinner offer all sorts of creole seafood options and some New Orleans inspired favorites!
Location: Deck 6 Mid-Ship
The Seafood Shack on the Mardi Gras s a New England inspired seafood restaurant. Guests can purchase seafood by the plate or bucket, depending on the menu available. Some seafood is steamed while others are fried. A soup of the day is also usually available. Prices are ala carte and posted on the onboard menu.
Location: Deck 16 - near the Street Eats and Beach Pool
Click Here For Seafood Shack Menu & Information
18. Fresh Creations
Fresh Creations is a complimentary eatery that is part of Mardi Gras' Serenity Adults Only Retreat. Fresh Creations serves a variety of salads as well as a "build your way" option.
Location: The Serenity Adults Only Retreat on the Mardi Gras' is located on Deck 18 FWD. Fresh Creations can be found within the Serenity Adults Only Retreat.
19. Room Service
Room Service on the Mardi Gras is another way to get food. At breakfast there are some complimentary room service options available, but non-breakfast hours will involve a charge per dish.
Click Here For More Room Service Information
20.Emeril's Bistro 1396
Emeril's Bistro 1396 is a Creole themed restaurant space that serves breakfast, lunch, & dinner to Mardi Gras guests at an extra charge. Guests eating at Emeril's Bistro can treat themselves to selections such as breakfast po-boys, bananas fosters crepes, or shrimp and grits. Lunch & dinner offer all sorts of creole seafood options and some New Orleans inspired favorites!
Location: Deck 6 Mid-Ship
Have a great cruise on Carnival Cruise's ship, Mardi Gras!