MSC Poesia speciality dining is fairly simple compared with the choice available on newer and larger cruise ships. There are two paid restaurants onboard: Kaito Sushi and Butcher’s Cut. The main question is whether either of them is worth paying extra for when the main dining rooms and buffet are already included in your cruise fare. In my experience, speciality dining works best when it offers a clear change from the food and atmosphere available elsewhere on the ship.
Kaito Sushi did exactly that. It was the standout meal of my cruise and felt noticeably different from the included dining. Butcher’s Cut was added during the February 2026 refit, so it gives passengers another option, although I sailed before it opened and can’t give a personal review.
This guide explains the MSC Poesia speciality dining options, what each restaurant offers, how booking works, what I paid at Kaito Sushi and what you should consider before spending extra. You can also download the available menus and prices in the PDF below.
MSC Poesia Dining Options: Full Video Guide
You can watch my full MSC Poesia dining guide to see the restaurants, menus and examples of the food served onboard. The video includes breakfast, lunch, dinner, the main dining rooms, buffet and my experience at Kaito Sushi.
What Speciality Restaurants Are on MSC Poesia?
MSC Poesia has two speciality dining restaurants: Kaito Sushi and Butcher’s Cut. Kaito Sushi was available during my cruise and offers a quieter dining experience with a menu focused on sushi and other Japanese dishes.
Butcher’s Cut was added during the February 2026 refit and offers a more traditional steakhouse-style menu. Both restaurants cost extra and need to be considered separately from the included main dining rooms and buffet.
There are fewer speciality restaurants than you’ll find on many newer MSC ships, but the two options provide very different types of meal. Kaito Sushi works best if you want something lighter and more distinctive, while Butcher’s Cut is aimed at passengers looking for steaks and grilled meats.
Kaito Sushi on MSC Poesia
Kaito Sushi was the best meal I had on MSC Poesia. The food was excellent, the restaurant was quiet and the whole experience felt like a genuine change from the buffet and main dining room.
That difference is important when deciding whether speciality dining is worth it. You aren’t simply paying to sit in another restaurant and eat food similar to what is already included.
Kaito offered a different style of food, a calmer setting and a more relaxed meal. I paid €34, which I thought was reasonable compared with the cost of speciality dining on some other cruise lines.
The meal felt like good value because the quality difference was noticeable. It wasn’t simply about having more choice. It felt like a clear upgrade for that evening. If I were booking another MSC Poesia cruise, Kaito Sushi would be the speciality restaurant I would be most likely to use again.
What Is on the Kaito Sushi Menu?
The Kaito Sushi menu focuses on sushi and Japanese-style dishes. The exact menu can change, so it is worth checking the latest version before you sail or once you are onboard.
The menu available during my cruise gave enough choice to build a full meal rather than simply ordering a few small snacks. It also felt different enough from the main dining room and buffet to justify booking it as a separate experience.
You can view the available Kaito Sushi menu in the downloadable MSC Poesia speciality dining PDF below. Use the menu as a guide, as prices and individual dishes may change between sailings.
Butcher’s Cut on MSC Poesia
Butcher’s Cut was added to MSC Poesia during the February 2026 refit. It has taken over part of the former buffet area and gives the ship a second speciality dining option alongside Kaito Sushi.
The menu follows the steakhouse format found on other MSC ships, with steaks, grilled meats and classic side dishes. It’s likely to appeal most to passengers who want a traditional steakhouse meal during the cruise.
I sailed before Butcher’s Cut was added, so I haven’t personally eaten there and can’t give an honest review of the food, service or value on MSC Poesia. That is worth making clear because the restaurant may look familiar if you have used Butcher’s Cut on another MSC ship, but the experience on Poesia may still vary.
The main thing to consider is whether the current price feels worthwhile compared with the included dining and what else you plan to spend money on during the cruise.
Is Butcher’s Cut Worth It on MSC Poesia?
Whether Butcher’s Cut is worth booking will depend on what you want from the meal. If you enjoy steakhouse dining and want a change from the main dining room, it may be a good option. However, I wouldn’t assume that paying extra automatically means it will be the best meal onboard.
The included main dining room food was generally good, so Butcher’s Cut is more about choosing a different style of meal than filling a gap in the standard dining. It’s also worth comparing the current price with Kaito Sushi, drinks, excursions and any other extras you are considering.
Because I sailed before it opened, I would check the latest menu, pricing and recent passenger feedback before booking.
How Does MSC Poesia Speciality Dining Booking Work?
Speciality dining can usually be booked before your cruise or once you are onboard. If you already know you want to eat at Kaito Sushi or Butcher’s Cut, it is worth checking the options in your booking before sailing.
MSC usually offer a lower price for pre-booked dining compared with booking onboard. Popular evenings and the most convenient times may also fill up, particularly on sea days.
Booking early gives you more control over when you eat and makes it easier to plan around your fixed main dining room sitting and the evening entertainment. If you wait until you are onboard, check availability as early as possible rather than leaving it until the final days of the cruise.
How Much Does Speciality Dining Cost on MSC Poesia?
Speciality dining prices can change depending on the sailing, package and whether you book before or during the cruise. I paid €34 for my meal at Kaito Sushi. I thought that was reasonable for the quality of the meal and the quieter dining experience.
Butcher’s Cut currently costs around $55–$59 per person when booked onboard, depending on the menu or dining experience you choose. It’s normally cheaper if you book before your cruise through your MSC booking. Prices can change, so check the latest price on the MSC Cruises website, in the MSC for Me app or through your booking before you sail. The easiest way to judge the value is to look at the menus and prices together rather than focusing only on the headline cost.
Is MSC Poesia Speciality Dining Included?
No. Kaito Sushi and Butcher’s Cut both cost extra. The main dining rooms and Villa Pompeiana buffet are included in your cruise fare, so speciality dining is completely optional. You can eat breakfast, lunch and dinner throughout the cruise without paying extra for food.
The value of speciality dining comes from having a different menu, atmosphere and type of experience. It isn’t something you need to book because the included options are inadequate. I would treat it as an occasional treat or celebration rather than something you need every evening.
What Is the Best Speciality Restaurant on MSC Poesia?
Based on my own experience, Kaito Sushi was the best speciality dining option on MSC Poesia. The food was excellent, the restaurant was quiet and the difference from the included dining was clear. It also felt reasonably priced compared with speciality restaurants on some other cruise lines.
Butcher’s Cut may appeal more if you prefer steakhouse dining, but I can’t compare the two directly because it was added after my cruise.
For me, Kaito Sushi was worth paying for because it added something genuinely different to the cruise. That is the main test I would use when deciding whether to book speciality dining.
Is MSC Poesia Speciality Dining Worth It?
MSC Poesia speciality dining can be worth it, but you don’t need to book both restaurants simply because they are available.Kaito Sushi was worth the extra cost because the quality and atmosphere felt noticeably different from the included options. Butcher’s Cut may also be worth considering if you specifically want a steakhouse meal.
The main dining room and buffet provide enough food for the full cruise, so speciality dining should be about variety rather than necessity. If you only want to book one paid meal, I would choose the restaurant that gives you the biggest change from what you normally eat onboard. Based on my cruise, that would be Kaito Sushi.
Download the MSC Poesia Speciality Dining Menus and Prices
You can download the available MSC Poesia speciality dining menus and prices below. The PDF includes the Kaito Sushi menu and the menu for Butcher’s Cut. This is the easiest way to compare the restaurants before your cruise and decide whether either one is worth booking.
Menus and prices can change, particularly following the ship’s refit, so use the PDF as a guide and check the latest information before booking.
Useful MSC Poesia Dining Guides
My MSC Poesia breakfast guide covers the buffet, La Fontaine main dining room, room service and sea-day brunch, along with downloadable menus.
My MSC Poesia lunch guide explains embarkation day lunch, the Villa Pompeiana buffet, sea-day brunch and when La Fontaine is open.
For evening dining, my MSC Poesia dinner guide covers fixed sittings, main dining room menus, gala night and the evening buffet.
My guide to how the MSC Poesia main dining room works explains restaurant allocations, shared tables, early and late sittings and how to request a change.
You can also read my full MSC Poesia dining guide for a complete overview of breakfast, lunch, dinner and speciality dining.
My What’s Onboard MSC Poesia guide gives you a wider look at the ship’s restaurants, bars, pools, entertainment venues and facilities.
FAQs: MSC Poesia Speciality Dining
What speciality restaurants are on MSC Poesia?
MSC Poesia has Kaito Sushi and Butcher’s Cut.
Is Kaito Sushi worth it on MSC Poesia?
Yes, I thought Kaito Sushi was worth the extra cost. The food was excellent, the setting was quiet and it felt noticeably different from the included dining.
How much does Kaito Sushi cost on MSC Poesia?
I paid €34 during my cruise, although prices can change between sailings.
Is Butcher’s Cut on MSC Poesia?
Yes. Butcher’s Cut was added during the February 2026 refit.
Do you need to book speciality dining on MSC Poesia?
It is best to book in advance if you want a particular day or time. You may also find that pre-booking is cheaper.
Is speciality dining included on MSC Poesia?
No. Kaito Sushi and Butcher’s Cut both cost extra.
Which is the best speciality restaurant on MSC Poesia?
Kaito Sushi was the standout meal of my cruise. Butcher’s Cut may suit passengers who prefer steakhouse dining.
Useful Cruise Items to Consider
These are a few simple items that can make your cruise more comfortable and help you stay organised onboard. I personally use variations of these when cruising, and they’re all practical rather than essential.
Magnetic hooks Perfect for extra storage in your cabin
Packing cubes Keep your suitcase organised
Cruise luggage tags Protect your tags at the port
Travel Extension Lead UK For charging multiple phones, cameras, and laptops
Toiletry organiser Great for small bathrooms
You can also browse my full Cruise Essentials list for more useful items I use or recommend for cruise holidays.
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