Posted on 22nd Apr, 2026
A World-First Endorsement: La Table is the first and only restaurant at sea to receive the prestigious approval of the Maîtres Cuisiniers de France.
Masterful Leadership: The venue is led by two Master Chefs of France, featuring rotating menus crafted in collaboration with world-renowned guest chefs.
Ultimate Intimacy: With only 18 seats available, this reservation-only spot will also host the iconic Dom Pérignon Experience.
Oceania Cruises has long held the title for serving "The Finest Cuisine at Sea®," but their latest announcement suggests they are prepared to take that reputation to even loftier heights.
Debuting aboard the next-generation ship Oceania Sonata™ in 2027, the line has unveiled La Table par Maîtres Cuisiniers de France.
This isn’t just another speciality restaurant; it is a landmark collaboration that brings the very highest level of French gastronomic heritage to the ocean for the first time.
What sets La Table apart is its pedigree. It is the first and only restaurant at sea to be launched with the official approval of the Maîtres Cuisiniers de France.
For the uninitiated, this is an internationally revered institution dedicated to preserving the craftsmanship of French cooking.
The fact that Oceania Cruises is the only line with two Master Chefs of France—Chef Alexis Quaretti and Chef Eric Barale—leading its culinary programme makes this partnership a natural, albeit highly ambitious, evolution.
In an era where cruise ships are getting larger, Oceania is going smaller and more exclusive with this venue. La Table will welcome just 18 guests at a time, ensuring a level of personalised service and culinary precision that is virtually impossible to replicate in a larger dining hall.
The dining experience will be reservation-only and will feature a rotating menu. Chefs Quaretti and Barale will collaborate with invited Master Chefs of France from across the globe, ensuring that the offerings remain a contemporary and ever-changing celebration of French excellence.
Signature dishes recently teased include:
Granny Smith Apple and Langoustine Tartlets: A delicate balance of acidity and sweetness.
Escargot-Stuffed Dover Sole: Topped with rosace vegetables and a refined white wine sauce.
Spider Crab Potato Roll: Crowned with luxurious Sturia Oscietra caviar.
For those who believe that world-class food deserves world-class bubbles, La Table will also serve as the new home for Oceania Cruises’ acclaimed Dom Pérignon Experience.
This six-course tasting menu is a journey in itself, featuring dishes specifically designed to pair with three exceptional vintages of Dom Pérignon champagne.
It remains one of the most sought-after bookings for luxury travellers, and its transition to the intimate setting of La Table is expected to make it even more popular.
While La Table is the headline act, the Oceania Sonata will be a true playground for foodies. The ship will feature ten best-in-class culinary venues, ensuring guests never have to eat the same meal twice.
Nikkei Kitchen: A brand-new addition featuring the vibrant fusion of Japanese and Peruvian flavours.
Jacques: The line’s signature refined French venue.
Red Ginger: Pan-Asian classics in a high-concept setting.
Toscana & Polo Grill: Authentic Italian and a classic American steakhouse, respectively.
With the introduction of La Table, Oceania Cruises isn't just following trends—they are setting a new gold standard for what is possible in a ship's galley.
By combining the prestige of the Maîtres Cuisiniers de France with an ultra-intimate 18-seat setting, Oceania Sonata is shaping up to be the must-book ship of 2027 for anyone who takes their dinner as seriously as their destination.
Author: Naomi Allen
Role: Junior Content Editor