If you are planning a cruise on P&O Britannia, one of the biggest questions is what the Britannia dining options are actually like, what is included, and which restaurants are worth paying extra for.
The short answer is that Britannia has a good mix of included dining, traditional main dining rooms, casual poolside food, room service breakfast, and speciality restaurants. The more useful answer is that not every option works equally well at every time of day.
Britannia has a more traditional dining setup than newer P&O ships like Iona and Arvia. There is no Quays-style casual dining area, and the buffet can feel limited at certain times. But the main dining room experience can be very strong, especially in the evening, and there are some speciality restaurants that are definitely worth considering.
I have cruised on Britannia and used the dining options across the ship, including the main dining rooms, buffet, room service breakfast, poolside food and speciality restaurants. This guide is based on how dining works in practice, not just how it looks on paper.
This article covers the main P&O Britannia dining options, including what food is included, how breakfast, lunch and dinner work, which restaurants cost extra, and what I personally think is worth your time.
Watch the Full P&O Britannia Dining Options Guide
If you want to see how the food, menus and restaurants look onboard, you can watch my full Britannia dining guide here.
This walks through the main dining rooms, buffet, room service breakfast, casual food and speciality dining, with menus and food photos from my cruise.
What Restaurants Are on P&O Britannia?
One of the most common questions before sailing is what restaurants are on P&O Britannia and how they fit together.
At the included end, Britannia has three main dining rooms, the Horizon Buffet, the Lido Grill, the pizzeria, and continental room service breakfast. These are the places you can use without paying extra, and you can easily cruise on Britannia without spending more on food if you are happy with the included options.
The three main dining rooms on Britannia are:
Peninsular Restaurant
Oriental Restaurant
Meridian Restaurant
These are used for breakfast, lunch and dinner depending on the time of day and your dining arrangements.
Alongside the included restaurants, Britannia also has several speciality dining options. These include The Beach House, Sindhu, The Glass House, The Epicurean and The Limelight Club. These all cost extra and offer a different type of experience rather than simply being “better” versions of the included restaurants.
There is also room service, which is useful if you want food in your cabin. Continental breakfast room service is free on Britannia, but other room service items cost extra.
What matters on Britannia is understanding where each venue fits into your day. The main dining rooms are the strongest part of the included dining for me. The buffet is useful, but not always the best choice. The poolside grill and pizzeria are convenient, especially on warm-weather cruises, and the speciality restaurants are best used selectively.
Is Food Included on P&O Britannia?
Yes, most food on P&O Britannia is included in your cruise fare.
The main dining rooms, Horizon Buffet, Lido Grill, pizzeria and continental room service breakfast are all included. Between them, you can cover breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks without paying extra.
The main dining rooms are where you get the more traditional cruise dining experience. You can have a sit-down breakfast, a three-course lunch on certain days, and dinner each evening with starters, mains and desserts.
The Horizon Buffet is included and offers breakfast, lunch, afternoon food, dinner and later snacks. It is the most flexible option, but it can also get busy, and I did not find the lunch and evening food as strong as the main dining room.
The Lido Grill and pizzeria are also included. These are useful if you are spending time by the pool and want something quick without going inside for a full meal.
One big advantage on Britannia is that continental breakfast room service is free. You fill in the form the night before, hang it outside your cabin, and breakfast is delivered the next morning. This is especially good if you have a balcony cabin or want a slower start on a sea day.
Where people need to be careful is assuming that the paid restaurants are automatically essential. Some of them are worth trying, but you do not need to pay extra every night to eat well on Britannia.
How Does Dining Work on P&O Britannia?
Dining on Britannia works differently depending on whether you have fixed dining or Freedom Dining.
If you have fixed dining, you will be assigned an early or late sitting in the Oriental Restaurant. This means you eat at the same time each evening, usually with the same table and waiting team.
If you have Freedom Dining, you can eat in the Meridian or Peninsular restaurants between the evening dining hours. You are not tied to a fixed time, so you can choose when you want to eat.
On Britannia, Freedom Dining can usually be managed either by joining the virtual queue through the P&O My Holiday app or by going to the restaurant. How it works can vary slightly depending on the sailing, so it is always worth checking the Horizon daily programme once onboard.
Breakfast and lunch are more straightforward. The Horizon magazine will show which main dining room is open and at what time. You can either use the buffet for a quicker meal or go to the main dining room for a calmer sit-down option.
Speciality restaurants need to be booked, especially if you want a popular time. Sindhu, The Epicurean, The Beach House and The Limelight Club are the ones I would think about booking ahead or early in the cruise.
Britannia’s dining setup feels more traditional than Iona or Arvia. That can be a positive if you like a classic main dining room experience, but it does mean there are fewer casual included alternatives compared with the newer ships.
P&O Britannia Dining Options: Breakfast
Breakfast is one of the easiest meals to get right on Britannia because you have three main choices.
You can go to the main dining room, use the Horizon Buffet, or order continental breakfast to your cabin.
The main dining room is the calmest included option. On my cruise, breakfast was served in the Oriental and Peninsular restaurants, although you should always check the Horizon daily programme as opening times and venues can vary.
Breakfast in the main dining room usually runs from around 7:30am to 9:00am on a port day and around 8:00am to 9:30am on a sea day. The exact times are listed each day onboard.
The menu includes continental options such as pastries, cereals, fruit and yoghurt, as well as cooked breakfasts including a full English, omelettes and smoked haddock. Tea, coffee and fruit juice are also available.
I found breakfast service in the main dining room quick and efficient, and it was easy to get a table by just turning up.
The Horizon Buffet is the most flexible breakfast option. It is on Deck 16 and opens early, with continental breakfast first and hot food from around 7:00am. You will usually find eggs, bacon, hash browns, beans, toast, cereals, fruit, pastries, tea, coffee and juices.
There are also options for vegetarians, vegans and passengers with dietary requirements, including gluten-free choices and dairy-free milk such as oat milk.
The downside is that the buffet can get very busy on sea days, especially between around 9:00am and 10:30am. If you prefer a quieter start, the main dining room or room service is a better choice.
One thing I did miss on Britannia was a fresh omelette station in the buffet. After sailing on Arvia, where The Quays offers freshly made omelettes, pancakes and waffles, Britannia’s breakfast buffet felt more traditional and a little less flexible.
Room Service Breakfast on P&O Britannia
One of my favourite things on Britannia was having breakfast delivered to my cabin.
Continental breakfast room service is free on Britannia, and it is a lovely way to start the day, especially if you have a balcony cabin.
To order it, you fill in the breakfast card the night before and hang it on your cabin door before the cut-off time, usually around 1:00am. The next morning, your breakfast is delivered during the time slot you selected.
The menu is simple rather than huge. It usually includes items such as pastries, fruit, yoghurt, cereal, tea, coffee and juices. It is not a cooked breakfast, but it is more than enough if you want a light start.
For me, this is one of the best included dining perks on Britannia. Sitting on the balcony with a cup of tea while the ship is at sea is one of those simple cruise moments that feels much more special than it sounds.
It is also worth knowing that this is not the same across all P&O ships. On Iona and Arvia, there is a small delivery charge for room service breakfast, but on Britannia it was free when I sailed.
P&O Britannia Dining Options: Lunch
Lunch on Britannia gives you several included options, but this is also where I think the ship feels a little more limited compared with Iona and Arvia.
If you want a sit-down lunch, the main dining room is usually the best choice. On my cruise, the Peninsular Restaurant was open for lunch and offered a three-course menu.
The menu included lighter options such as sandwiches and salads, as well as more filling dishes like pasta, curry and roast meats. There was also dessert, which makes it feel like a proper meal rather than just a quick stop.
I found the main dining room lunch much more relaxing than the buffet. It is a good option if you want to get away from the busier areas of the ship, especially on a sea day.
The Horizon Buffet is also open for lunch, usually from around midday until mid-afternoon. You will usually find a mix of roast meats, pasta, seafood, vegetarian options, salads, sandwiches and fish and chips.
The buffet is convenient, but I was not that impressed with the lunch offering. I found some of the food quite bland and not always as hot as I would like. It works if you want something quick, but it would not be my first choice for lunch every day.
If you are by the pool, the Lido Grill is very useful. It serves burgers, veggie burgers, hot dogs and chips, and I used it a lot on sea days in the Caribbean because it was so convenient.
There is also a pizzeria near the pool. It may not look like much, but I actually found the pizza surprisingly tasty.
Britannia does not have the same casual dining variety as Iona or Arvia. There is no Quays-style area, so if you like casual included food with lots of different stations, you may notice that difference. But between the main dining room, buffet, grill and pizza, there are still enough options to get through the day.
P&O Britannia Dining Options: Dinner
Dinner is where Britannia’s dining experience felt strongest for me.
The main dining rooms are the heart of the evening dining experience. Each night, there is a menu with starters, main courses and desserts, usually including options such as steak, seafood, pasta, vegetarian dishes and more traditional cruise favourites.
If you are on Freedom Dining, you can eat in the Meridian or Peninsular restaurants during the evening dining window, usually between around 6:30pm and 9:30pm.
If you have fixed dining, you will usually be in the Oriental Restaurant on either an early or late sitting.
I had the early sitting in the Oriental Restaurant and found most of the meals very good. The food was warm, the service was attentive, and the staff were excellent throughout the cruise.
For me, the main dining room experience on Britannia was much better than the experience I had on Arvia the previous summer. It felt more traditional, more settled and more consistent.
The formal nights were also a highlight, especially New Year’s Eve. The main dining room felt more special on those evenings, and it is definitely worth using the dining room on Celebration Nights rather than defaulting to the buffet.
The only area I found weaker was dessert. Some of the desserts were fine, but many were quite bland and not especially memorable.
If you do not want a formal dinner, the Horizon Buffet is open in the evening as well. I did not eat there for dinner because I had not been that impressed with the buffet during the day. For me, the main dining room was the better choice.
Room service is also available in the evening, although most items cost extra. I did not try room service on Britannia, but I have had good room service experiences on P&O before, so it can be useful if you want something simple in your cabin.
Dining with Children on P&O Britannia
If you are travelling with children, Britannia has enough flexibility to make dining manageable.
The buffet is the easiest option if you want something quick or do not want a longer sit-down meal. It also works well earlier in the evening if children need to eat before clubs, shows or bedtime.
In the main dining rooms, children can order from a children’s menu, and there are usually familiar options available alongside the main menu. This makes it easier if adults want a proper dining room meal but children want something simpler.
The poolside grill and pizzeria are also useful during the day, especially on sea days when families are spending time around the pools.
Britannia is more traditional than Iona and Arvia, so it does not have as many casual included venues spread around the ship. But the basics are covered, and the main dining rooms are still a good option for families if you are happy with a more structured meal.
P&O Britannia Speciality Dining: What’s Worth It?
Britannia has several speciality dining options, and this is where you need to be selective.
The Beach House is one of the most affordable paid dining options onboard. It is located within the Horizon Buffet area and opens in the evening as a separate restaurant.
The menu has a Latin American and Caribbean-style feel, with dishes such as ribs, steak sizzlers, fajitas and mac and cheese. I tried the fajitas, and although they were not the most photogenic dish, they tasted excellent.
For me, The Beach House is one of the best-value speciality dining options on Britannia. It is relaxed, filling and different enough from the main dining room to feel worth doing.
Sindhu is Britannia’s Indian restaurant and is another one I would personally recommend. The menu includes regional Indian dishes, starters, naan bread and a signature-style dish with three smaller curries on one plate.
If you enjoy Indian food, Sindhu is definitely worth considering. It feels different from the included dining, the food is full of flavour, and it is one of the paid restaurants I would happily book again.
It is also worth looking out for pre-booking offers. When I sailed, if you pre-booked Sindhu and paid a deposit in advance, you could get a discount off the final bill.
The Glass House is another good option, especially if you like wine or small plates. The dishes are priced individually, so it works differently from a set-cover-charge restaurant.
Even if you are not a big wine drinker, the food in The Glass House is good. I think it works especially well as a relaxed lunch rather than a main evening dining event.
The Epicurean is Britannia’s fine dining restaurant. It offers a longer, more formal dining experience with dishes such as steak, lobster and more carefully presented plates.
I know many people enjoy The Epicurean, but personally I was not as impressed as I expected to be. It was fine, but for a restaurant positioned as the fine dining option, I wanted it to feel more special than it did.
The Limelight Club is another paid option. It combines a three-course meal with live entertainment from a guest performer. This is more about the overall evening experience than just the food, so it is worth checking who is performing before booking.
Out of the speciality dining options on Britannia, my personal favourites would be The Beach House and Sindhu. I like the atmosphere in The Glass House, but I prefer it as a relaxed lunch. The Epicurean would not be my first choice if I was only booking one paid restaurant.
What Is Actually Worth It on P&O Britannia?
Overall, the Britannia dining options are good, but they are strongest when you use the ship in the right way.
The main dining room was the best part of the included dining for me. Breakfast was calm, lunch was a nice break from the buffet, and dinner was consistently good. If you enjoy a traditional cruise dining experience, Britannia does this well.
Room service breakfast is also worth using, especially if you have a balcony. It is simple, but the fact it is included makes it feel like a real bonus.
The Lido Grill and pizzeria are useful during the day, particularly on warm-weather cruises when you are spending time outside.
The Horizon Buffet is convenient, but it was not my favourite part of the dining experience. Breakfast is useful if you go at the right time, but lunch and dinner felt less impressive to me. I would use it for convenience rather than as the main place to eat every day.
For speciality dining, I would prioritise The Beach House and Sindhu. Those are the two that felt most worth paying extra for. The Glass House is good for a relaxed lunch, while The Epicurean depends on how much you enjoy a more formal fine dining style.
The biggest thing to understand is that Britannia is not trying to be Iona or Arvia. It does not have the same modern casual dining setup, but it does offer a more traditional P&O dining experience, and if you lean into that, it works well.
Useful Guides
If you want to plan your meals in more detail, these Britannia dining guides break down each part of the day with menus, food photos and practical advice.
You can read my P&O Britannia breakfast options to see where to eat in the morning, including the main dining rooms, Horizon Buffet and free continental room service breakfast, with menus and tips on the best option for different types of mornings.
My P&O Britannia lunch guide covers the main dining room, Horizon Buffet, Lido Grill, pizzeria and casual lunch options, including menus and what I thought was actually worth choosing during the day.
For evenings, my P&O Britannia dinner guide explains how main dining works, the difference between fixed dining and Freedom Dining, what the evening menus are like, and why the main dining room was one of the strongest parts of the dining experience for me.
If you are thinking about paying extra, my P&O Britannia speciality dining guide breaks down The Beach House, Sindhu, The Glass House, The Epicurean and The Limelight Club, including menus, prices where relevant, and which restaurants I personally think are worth booking.
For a full overview of the ship, my what’s onboard P&O Britannia guide is the best place to start. It will help you understand the layout, main venues, pool areas, restaurants, bars and where you are likely to spend most of your time onboard.
If you want to compare the pool areas, sunbeds and The Retreat, my P&O Britannia pools guide covers the Lido Pool, Riviera Pool, Serenity Pool, Terrace Pool, hot tubs and busy sea days.
If you want to know where to drink onboard, my P&O Britannia bars guide covers the Crow’s Nest, Blue Bar, Brodie’s, Glass House, Sunset Bar, pool bars, Live Lounge and other venues.
For evenings onboard, my P&O Britannia Entertainment Guide covers the theatre, live music, daytime activities, deck parties and the different venues you can use throughout the cruise.
FAQs: P&O Britannia Dining Options
What restaurants are on P&O Britannia?
P&O Britannia has three main dining rooms, the Horizon Buffet, Lido Grill, pizzeria, room service, The Beach House, Sindhu, The Glass House, The Epicurean and The Limelight Club.
Is food included on P&O Britannia?
Yes, most food is included on Britannia. The main dining rooms, buffet, Lido Grill, pizzeria and continental room service breakfast are included in your cruise fare. Speciality restaurants and most room service items cost extra.
Does P&O Britannia have Freedom Dining?
Yes, Britannia has Freedom Dining as well as fixed dining. Freedom Dining is usually in the Meridian and Peninsular restaurants, while fixed dining is usually in the Oriental Restaurant.
Do you need to book restaurants on Britannia?
You do not need to book the main dining rooms for normal included dining, although Freedom Dining may involve joining a queue. Speciality restaurants such as Sindhu, The Beach House, Epicurean and Limelight Club should be booked.
Is breakfast included on P&O Britannia?
Yes, breakfast is included. You can eat in the main dining room, Horizon Buffet, or order continental breakfast to your cabin.
Is room service breakfast free on P&O Britannia?
Continental room service breakfast was free on Britannia when I sailed. You fill in the breakfast card the night before and hang it outside your cabin for delivery the next morning.
What is the best restaurant on P&O Britannia?
This depends on what you want. For included dining, I found the main dining room the strongest option. For speciality dining, my personal favourites were The Beach House and Sindhu.
Is the buffet good on P&O Britannia?
The Horizon Buffet is useful and convenient, especially for breakfast or quick meals, but it was not my favourite dining option on Britannia. I found the main dining room much better for lunch and dinner.
Is The Beach House worth it on Britannia?
Yes, I think The Beach House is one of the best-value paid dining options on Britannia. It is relaxed, filling and offers something different from the main dining room.
Is Sindhu worth it on Britannia?
Yes, if you enjoy Indian food, Sindhu is worth considering. It is one of the speciality restaurants that feels different enough from the included dining to justify paying extra.
Can you eat whenever you want on Britannia?
There are food options available throughout the day, but Britannia does not work quite like Iona or Arvia. Main dining room times are more structured, while the buffet, grill, pizzeria and room service offer more flexibility.
Does Britannia have The Quays?
No, Britannia does not have The Quays. That is one of the main differences between Britannia and newer P&O ships like Iona and Arvia.
Useful Cruise Items to Consider
These are a few simple items that can make your cruise on P&O Arvia 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.
This article may contain affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.