There are eight restaurants on Nieuw Statendam. Six of them are specialty venues that charge a dining supplement. All of the restaurants are good, but some are better than others. I especially enjoyed the Asian restaurant called Tamarind. In fact, I rate it as the best Nieuw Statendam restaurant. The restaurants on Nieuw Statendam include:

• Tamarind.
• Nami Sushi.
• The Pinnacle Grill.
• Taste of De Librije (European sailings only).
• Rudi’s Sel de Mer.
• Canaletto.
• The Dining Room.
• Club Orange Restaurant.

Tamarind – the best Nieuw Statendam restaurant

Tamarind is my favourite Nieuw Statendam restaurant. It is a specialty dining venue serving food from across Southeast Asia.

The decor is elegant, the menu is innovative and the tastes are superb. Indeed, the chefs at Tamarind bring a personal touch to every exquisitely presented dish by pairing traditional recipes with top quality ingredients.

I think the food in Tamarind is best shared, just as it would be in Asia. It also means you can sample more of the delights on the menu.

Appetizers include spectacularly good Lobster & Shrimp Gyoza, as well as mouthwatering Thai Citrus Scallops. There’s also traditional Satay, Crispy Duck with Steamed Bao Bun and more. It’s an exceptional start.

For main course I especially enjoyed the Braised Eggplant Massaman Curry. The balance of flavours was superb. I also recommend the Cashew Barramundi and the Fire Prawns with Thai-Chili Jam.

There is a delectable dessert menu. I had the Mango Posset with Coconut Macaroon, Passionfruit Jelly and Mango Sorbet – an imaginative and refreshing end to a perfect Asian meal.

Tamarind is open for dinner every night. Reservations are required. A dining supplement of USD29 + 18% service charge per person is payable.

Dinner: 5:30pm – 9:30pm.

Nami Sushi

Nami Sushi is another specialty dining venue and it is located within the Tamarind restaurant. As the name implies it serves mostly sushi, as well as sashimi.

Nami Sushi showcases the creative talents of master sushi chef Andy Matsuda. There are classics including California rolls as well as more interesting options like eel and smoked fish sushi, plus top quality salmon, tuna and king fish sashimi.

Nami Sushi is open nightly. As seating is limited reservations are essential. It’s also important to note that unlike most other Nieuw Statendam restaurants, the menu is priced entirely a la carte.

Dinner: 5:30pm – 9:30pm.

The Pinnacle Grill

The classic American steakhouse has become somewhat ubiquitous on cruise ships in recent years. However, Nieuw Statendam’s Pinnacle Grill is a cut above the rest.

This steakhouse is an elegant restaurant with crisp white tablecloths, high-back leather chairs and chestnut walls, but what sets it apart is the menu.

Indeed, it is inspired by America’s Pacific Northwest with excellent beef from Washington State and seafood from Alaska, but there are delicacies on offer too.

Appetizers include Malassol Caviar with Creme Fraiche & Buckweath Blinis, as well as Steak Tartare and a quirkily named Pastrami Salmon with Horseradish Creme Fraiche, Mustard Oil & Watercress Pancakes.

As you’d expect, main course includes various cuts of dry-aged beef served with a choice of traditional sauces. There is also a signature dish of Beef Tenderloin with Lobster Dumplings. Other meats are also available including pork, lamb and chicken.

The Pinnacle Grill is one of the best Nieuw Statendam restaurants. It is open nightly for dinner. Reservations are required and a supplement of USD39 + 18% service charge per person is payable. It’s worth noting that certain items on the menu will incur an additional charge. The Pinnacle Grill is also open for lunch on sea days with a reduced supplement of USD15 + 18% service charge per person.

Dinner: 5:30pm – 9:30pm.

Taste of De Librije (European sailings only)

Once a week during Niuew Statendam’s European sailings the menu in the Pinnacle Grill changes. It showcases the food of one of Europe’s most acclaimed chefs, Jonnie Boer.

Dutch-born chef Boer has three Michelin stars to his name and runs the famous De Librije restaurant east of Amsterdam. He also has a passion for using the finest regional products and this is reflected in the Taste of De Librije menu on Nieuw Statendam.

I thought it was a taste sensation. The menu is small but perfectly crafted, with just two options for each of the four courses.

I started with a fresh ceviche-style King Fish with Watermelon, Avocado, Sesame & Radish. It was sublime with delicate chilli oil flavours and watercress explosions. In fact it’s one of the best dishes I’ve eaten at sea.

Then came a highly rated Crispy Pork Belly with Madras Curry, Green Pea Caviar & Goats Cheese. It was perfection on a plate.

For main course I recommend chef Boer’s signature Baked Pike Perch. It comes with Pandan, Cucumber, Sweet & Sour, Red Onion and Zorri Cress. While for dessert I indulged in a heavenly Lemongrass Caramel.

I highly recommend Taste of De Librije. Indeed it serves some of the best cuisine at sea, made even better with wine pairings recommended by the De Librije restaurant sommelier, Thérèse Boer.

Dinner: 5:30pm – 9:30pm.

Taste of De Librije is available on European sailings only. Bookings are essential. A dining supplement of USD69 (including wine pairing) + 18% service charge is payable per person.

Rudi’s Sel de Mer

Rudi’s Sel de Mer is a specialty French restaurant on Niuew Statendam. It celebrates the cultural heritage of Holland America Line’s Master Chef and Culinary Council Chairman Rudi Sodamin.

This intimate restaurant has a chic decor with vibrant red furnishings and original art, including Rudi’s trademark ‘food face’ plates.

The menu is classic French with Hors d’Oeuvres, Plats and Plats du Jour. Starters include Foie Gras, Marinated Lobster and very good Escargots.

For main course there are delights like Dover Sole, a classic Bouillabaisse, Duck a l’Orange and lobster. In addition, there are daily specials including Coq Au Vin and Cassoulet. It’s all very good. However, I did find the portion sizes were quite large.

There is a small dessert selection, including Profiteroles and Apple Tarte Tartin. There is also a somewhat unimpressive Crepe Suzette that comes with a less than traditional caramel flavoured sauce.

Rudi’s is open for dinner only and reservations are essential. There is a dining supplement of USD49 + 18% service charge per person.

Dinner: 5:30pm – 10:00pm.

Canaletto

Canaletto is an Italian specialty Nieuw Statendam restaurant. It has a bold, modern decor that evokes the atmosphere of a trendy trattoria in Milan.

The menu, on the other hand, is less innovative though none the less peppered with little gems. I recommend the Grilled Calamari as a starter. It’s simple and tasty, with only a dash of lemon needed to give it a zing. The Beef Carpaccio is also good.

Main course can be something of a hit and miss affair. For instance the Lasagna is rather underwhelming, but the Costatine d’Agnello (Grilled Lamb Chops with Truffled Polenta & Broad Beans) was bursting with flavour. Canaletto also offer daily specials.

There is a lovely selection of desserts including Cassata, Tiramisu and a delicious Almond Tart with Mascapone Cream & Berries.

Canaletto is open for dinner only. Reservations are required. There is a dining supplement of USD19 + 18% service charge per person.

Dinner: 5:30pm – 9:30pm.

Dining Room – the most popular restaurants

The main Dining Room on Nieuw Statendam is a feast for the senses. The spectacular two-tiered venue is one of the most architecturally dramatic restaurants at sea.

The Dining Room is the largest of the Nieuw Statendam restaurants. It can serve 1,000 diners per sitting, but in spite of this the quality of the meals is surprisingly good. I enjoyed a very tasty Cilantro & Mint Crusted Tilapia fish with a glass of French chablis.

There are also daily specials in the Dining Room, including regionally-prepared whole lobster for a supplement of USD25.

The Dining Room is open daily for breakfast and dinner, however it’s worth noting that it is only open for lunch on sea days. There is also a daily Afternoon Tea service with sweet treats as well as tea and coffee.

Open seating is on the lower level and reservations are not required. Fixed seating is on the upper tier and is held for 15 minutes past the reservation time.

Breakfast: 8:00am – 9:30am.
Lunch: 12:00pm – 1:00pm (sea days only).
Afternoon tea: 3:00pm – 3:45pm
Dinner: 5:15pm – 9:30pm.

Club Orange Restaurant

The Club Orange Restaurant is reserved exclusively for guests staying in top suites and those guests with Club Orange privileges added to their cruise booking.

The intimate venue has the feel of a French bistro, with timber flooring, crisp white table linen and smart orange crockery.

The Club Orange menu is an expanded version of what’s on offer in the main Dining Room. You can expect to sample dishes like Citrus Grilled Rainbow Trout, Roasted Boneless Chicken Leg and New York Strip Loin. There are also daily Club Orange specials.

The Club Orange Restaurant is open for breakfast and dinner only.

Breakfast: 8:00am – 9:30am.
Dinner: 5:30pm – 9:30pm.

Lido Market

The Lido Market is a casual buffet restaurant. It’s a huge venue with a centrally located buffet and seating on either side of the cruise ship.

The themed buffet stations offer a wide and varied selection, from comfort food to tastes from around the globe. There are meals you can grab on-the-go or dishes made to order – the choice is yours.

The Lido Market is open every day for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Breakfast: 7:00am – 10:30am.
Lunch: 11:30am – 2:00pm.
Dinner: 6:00pm – 8:30pm.
A small selection of buffet stations are also open from 2:00pm – 4:00pm and 10:30pm – 11:30pm.

The Grand Dutch Cafe

More than just a coffee spot, the Grand Dutch Cafe is a community hub.

The blue and white Delftware inspired cafe is a popular meeting spot and a great place to enjoy coffee, tea and snacks. There’s also a selection of draught beers and liquors – perfect for an afternoon tipple.

The Grand Dutch Cafe is open daily from 7:00am – 11:00pm.

New York Deli & Pizza

The New York Deli & Pizza is a casual eatery located on the terrace above the lido pool. It serves made-to-order American-style pizzas as well as panini and salads.

Dive-In

Dive-In is the place for burgers, hot dogs and fries around the lido pool.

Gelato

Fresh gelato is made on board every day and you’ll find a variety of flavours and styles at Gelato, located next to the lido pool.

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The author sailed as a guest of Holland America Line.