Oceania Cruises has introduced La Table par Maitres Cuisiners de France, a new dining venue debuting aboard the brand’s next-generation ship, Oceania Sonata.
A landmark culinary collaboration, La Table is the first and only restaurant at sea to be launched with the prestigious approval of the Maitres Cuisiniers de France, an internationally revered institution dedicated to preserving and advancing the heritage of French gastronomy. This endorsement reflects the integrity behind Oceania Cruises’ longstanding dedication to culinary excellence.
Intimate by design, La Table becomes the most exclusive fine dining venue at sea, welcoming just 18 guests and offering a refined, reservation-only dining experience that embraces classic French techniques and innovative pairings.
As the only cruise line with two Master Chefs of France leading its culinary program, its executive culinary directors, Chef Alexis Quaretti and Chef Eric Barale, Oceania Cruises continues to set the gold standard for dining at sea. The rotating menu showcases an array of meticulously crafted dishes, created in close collaboration with a selection of invited Master Chefs of France from across the globe.
(L-R) Chef Eric Barale and Chef Alexis Quaretti.
“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,” Oceania Cruises chief luxury officer Jason Montague said.
“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.”
The menus spotlight exquisite expressions of French culinary artistry, from delicate Granny Smith apple and langoustine tartlets to escargot‑stuffed Dover sole topped with rosace vegetables and a white wine sauce. Signature creations such as a spider crab potato roll crowned with Sturia Oscietra caviar display the precision and contemporary flair that define La Table. Chefs Quaretti and Barale and their talented teams continually refine and evolve the menu, ensuring a celebration of French culinary excellence.
“This restaurant is deeply personal for us,” Chef Quaretti said. “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,” Maitres Cuisiniers de France president of the USA and Canada delegation Jean-Louis Dumonet said.
“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 introduction of La Table reaffirms and augments the philosophy that has been at the heart of Oceania Cruises since its inception: to serve The Finest Cuisine at Sea. The venue also hosts Oceania Cruises’ acclaimed Dom Perignon Experience, featuring a six-course tasting menu paired with three exceptional Champagne vintages.
In addition to La Table and the newly introduced Nikkei Kitchen, Oceania Sonata presents ten best-in-class culinary venues, including the iconic Grand Dining Room and Oceania Cruises’ signature speciality restaurants: Jacques, the line’s refined French venue; pan-Asian Red Ginger; classic steakhouse Polo Grill; and Toscana, renowned for its authentic Italian cuisine.
Oceania Cruises next-generation ship, Oceania Sonata.
Dining and Cooking