Angelos at the Pacific Explorer

When it comes to food, Italians sure are passionate. The chefs at Angelo’s are no different.

This is the last restaurant on review that is included on the fare, we had Dragon Lady, The Pantry, and Waterfront was the rest. When it comes to food, Italians sure are passionate. The chefs at Angelo’s are no different.

From the first bite to the last mouthful, the menu at Angelo’s is Italian food done the right way. Think soul-warming traditional dishes with a delicious modern twist. Surrounded by images of Latin legends captured by one of Italy’s most famous photographers, Angelo Frontoni, the restaurant is the perfect setting to enjoy la dolce vita as you indulge in a meal to remember.

Good food takes time, so that’s why Angelo’s is open for dinner only. Book a table, and the chefs will spend the day preparing so you can spend the daydreaming of a feast with loved ones, or friends old and new. Available on all ships. Onboard offerings can vary, and charges may apply.

What’s Good

Zauppa di Patate con Pancetta (Creamy Potato Soup with Pancetta): This dish is a warm, comforting start to your Italian culinary journey. The creamy potato soup, enriched with the savory flavour of pancetta, offers a soothing, hearty indulgence. The balance of creamy texture and well-seasoned pancetta creates a harmonious symphony of flavours.

Antipasti Misti (Mixed Appetizers): Angelo’s provides a delightful assortment of cold cuts and preserved vegetables in their Antipasti Misti. This selection offers a tantalizing variety of flavours and textures, from the salty richness of cured meats to the zesty and tangy notes of preserved vegetables. It’s a perfect choice to whet your appetite and savour the essence of Italian appetizers.

Minestra Verde di Piselli con Salsiccia (Green Pea Soup with Sausage): This soup is reminiscent of a classic Italian minestrone but with a twist, as it features green peas and sausage. It’s a creamy and delectable option, akin to the comforting flavours of munggo (mung bean stew) from the Philippines. The combination of creamy peas and savory sausage creates a delightful harmony in each spoonful.

Filetto di Salmone alla Griglia con Carciofi, Zucchine e Patate (Grilled Salmon Fillet with Artichokes, Zucchini, and Potatoes): This seafood dish offers a flavourful encounter with perfectly cooked salmon fillet paired with artichokes, zucchini, and potatoes. The grilling process ensures that the salmon is tender and flavourful. The accompanying vegetables provide a medley of tastes and textures, creating a well-rounded main course.

Tagliatelle alla Bolognese di Manzo (Beef Bolognese Tagliatelle): Tagliatelle, a type of ribbon-like pasta, is beautifully dressed in a well-seasoned beef Bolognese sauce. The pasta is cooked to perfection, and the beef ragu infuses it with a rich, savory taste. It’s a comforting Italian classic that satisfies your pasta cravings.

Agnello Brassato con Salsa al Vino Rosso (Braised Lamb with Red Wine Sauce): For those seeking a meaty delight, the braised lamb at Angelo’s is a standout. The meat is tender and juicy, cooked to perfection. The accompanying red wine sauce adds depth and richness to the dish, making it a memorable choice for lamb enthusiasts.

What’s Not Good

Pollo alla Parmigiana (Chicken Parmigiana): While Angelo’s offers many delightful dishes, the Chicken Parmigiana might be considered a miss. The chicken is described as dry and tough, which is less than ideal for this classic Italian dish. It’s a reminder that even in a delightful dining experience, there can be occasional disappointments.

Pesce Spada alla Griglia (Grilled Swordfish): This dish features swordfish, a flavourful and meaty fish. However, it’s noted that the fish was slightly overcooked, resulting in a somewhat tougher texture. Nevertheless, the flavours of the dish still shine through, offering a taste of the sea.

Insalata Caprese (Caprese Salad): Angelo’s version of the Caprese salad is similar to what’s served in Waterfront but without basil leaves; instead, they use pesto. The mozzarella is served in small pieces. While it’s a refreshing choice, it may not fully capture the traditional Caprese salad experience.

Overall, it’s a hit and miss, but I found that the soups were consistently good, meat dishes were also great. Most of the Antipasti were nice as well. Some fish were overdone, as was the chicken.

Service was amazing and we were served by Jesril, Jessil, Lisa Marie, Gemar, and Kaycee. They made our dining experience a very fun one, always wearing smiles. They were amazing, even knowing us by name. On one occasion, when one of our friends was absent due to sea sickness and wanted to rest in their cabin, they noticed and told us they could bring food to their cabin so they wouldn’t miss out—a great gesture.

Place-wise, it felt like the usual Italian restaurant, with the ambiance, lighting, and setup making us feel like we were in a nice restaurant in Italy.

The rest of our orders

Angelo’s on the Pacific Explorer offers a delightful taste of Italy while you cruise the seas. Whether you’re a fan of classic Italian dishes or looking for a modern twist, this restaurant provides a memorable culinary experience that’s worth savouring. Buon appetito!