MIAMI, Florida – 16 April 2026 – Oceania Cruises® has announced details of a new dining venue called La Table par Maîtres Cuisiniers de France, described as the most exclusive fine dining venue at sea. The restaurant will debut on the line’s upcoming ship Oceania Sonata in 2027.
New French dining venue
Oceania Cruises revealed plans for La Table par Maîtres Cuisiniers de France, which will operate as a reservation-only space for 18 guests. The venue will feature menus that draw on French cooking methods and modern flavour combinations. It is also the first and only restaurant at sea to be launched with the official approval of Maîtres Cuisiniers de France.
The line employs two Master Chefs of France as its Executive Culinary Directors, Chef Alexis Quaretti and Chef Eric Barale. Menus at the restaurant will change regularly and involve input from selected Master Chefs of France based worldwide.
A key highlight is that the introduction of La Table reinforces Oceania Cruises’ long‑standing culinary philosophy centred on delivering what it calls The Finest Cuisine at Sea®. The venue will also serve as the setting for the line’s Dom Pérignon Experience, which features a six‑course tasting menu paired with three distinguished Champagne vintages.
Oceania Sonata will also include Nikkei Kitchen as a recent addition to its dining options. Further venues on the ship will cover the line’s established restaurants alongside the main Grand Dining Room.
Menu and chef collaboration
La Table par Maîtres Cuisiniers de France will present a selection of dishes developed through teamwork between the line’s culinary leaders and visiting chefs from the Maîtres Cuisiniers de France group. The format will centre on structured tasting menus.
The restaurant holds formal support from Maîtres Cuisiniers de France, an organisation that promotes French culinary traditions. Sample items mentioned in the announcement include langoustine, escargot-filled Dover sole served with white wine sauce, and a spider crab potato roll finished with caviar. The line stated that menus would evolve over time through continued chef partnerships.
Culinary Leadership
Oceania Cruises describes La Table as its most exclusive dining experience, shaped by the expertise of its two Master Chefs of France, who oversee the culinary direction across the fleet.
“At Oceania Cruises, our dedication to cuisine is rooted in continual refinement and respect for tradition, a philosophy mirrored by the storied Maîtres Cuisiniers de France organization. Through La Table, Chefs Quaretti and Barale bring this extraordinary and industry-leading collaboration to life. It will be a true celebration of culinary heritage, mastery and modern luxury, in ways which are both meaningful and unmistakably Oceania Cruises,” said Jason Montague, Chief Luxury Officer of Oceania Cruises.
“This restaurant is deeply personal for us,” said Chef Quaretti. “It reflects the values that Chef Barale and I share, regard for technique, appreciation of flavor and an unwavering commitment to excellence. Set within the calm, understated elegance of this new space aboard Oceania Sonata, La Table will offer guests a truly memorable dining experience.”
“La Table represents a natural evolution of the rich culinary tradition long associated with luxury ocean travel,” said Jean-Louis Dumonet, President of the USA and Canada delegation of the Maîtres Cuisiniers de France. “Through our collaboration with Oceania Cruises and its culinary leaders Chefs Eric Barale and Alexis Quaretti, we’ve brought this heritage to life with authenticity, craftsmanship and deep respect for French gastronomy. La Table reflects our shared commitment to creating refined, memorable dining experiences where culinary artistry is central to the voyage.”
The announcement emphasises the intimate nature of the venue, which is designed to accommodate just 18 guests in a refined setting.
Other ship dining
Oceania Sonata will offer a total of ten culinary spaces, including the Grand Dining Room. Signature restaurants will comprise Jacques for French cuisine, Red Ginger for pan-Asian dishes, Polo Grill as a steakhouse, and Toscana for Italian fare.
Nikkei Kitchen joins as a new evening venue alongside La Table par Maîtres Cuisiniers de France.
Oceania Sonata is the brand’s next-generation ship scheduled to enter service in 2027.
Source: Official announcement by Oceania Cruises and Norwegian Cruise Line on 16 April, 2026
