The Silver Whisper may be intimate in scale, but its culinary ambitions stretch far beyond its physical dimensions. This floating boutique hotel offers an impressive quartet of dining venues, each with its own distinct personality and culinary philosophy. From classic Continental delights to Mediterranean-inspired cuisine, the vessel presents a gastronomic journey:
- The Restaurant
- La Terrazza
- Da Dame
- The Grill
The culinary journey unfolds as a tapestry of highs and lows – sometimes within the same venue. Service, too, presents as uneven terrain. That said, La Dame stands as the most sort after reservation on board Silver Whisper.
Dining ratings
| Restaurants & food | Rating |
|---|---|
| Dining options | (3.5) |
| Restaurant service | (4.0) |
| Food quality & presentation | (3.5) |
| Specialty restaurant(s) | (3.5) |
La Dame: French elegance with inconsistent execution
Step into La Dame and you’re immediately transported to a Parisian brasserie of distinction – rich wood paneling creates an atmosphere of old-world sophistication. This is Silver Whisper’s temple to French gastronomy, where the menu reads like a love letter to classical technique.
The Chilean Seabass emerges as the undisputed star – perfectly executed with a delicate lemon butter sauce that complements rather than overwhelms, while white asparagus and braised fennel provide thoughtful counterpoints. The rack of lamb delivers primal satisfaction, each precisely grilled chop offering a study in textural contrast.
Yet not every dish reaches these heights. The much-anticipated Perigord Duck arrived disappointingly overcooked, and the Pistachio Soufflé lacked the ethereal lightness one expects from this classic French finale. Service, while enthusiastic, occasionally lacks the polished choreography promised by the surroundings.
Reservations are non-negotiable, and the USD60 per person cover charge sets expectations that aren’t consistently met.
Dinner: 7:00pm with final seating at 9:30pm.
La Terrazza: A beloved Italian institution
La Terrazza pays homage to Silversea’s Italian heritage with a menu so beloved by the line’s loyal clientele that it has achieved near-sacred status. The restaurant transforms throughout the day – morning and midday bringing traditional buffet offerings, while evenings showcase the kitchen’s aspired artistry.
The fresh pasta program is nothing short of exceptional. The Pappardelle with Braised Duck Ragù presents ribbons of silken pasta embracing a deeply savory sauce, while the Ligurian Pansoti with Walnut Sauce offers a regional specialty rarely found outside the Italian Riviera.
However, the carne and pescatarian courses lack the flare one might expect from a venue of such distinction.
The restaurant’s popularity mandates evening reservations.
Breakfast: 7:00am-10:00am.
Lunch: 12:00pm-2:00pm.
Dinner: 7:00pm with final seating at 9:30pm.
The Restaurant: Reliable luxury with occasional brilliance
The aptly named Restaurant serves as the vessel’s culinary backbone. The menu balances daily specials with permanent fixtures, creating a repertoire that aims to please the sophisticated passenger.
An impeccable Filet Mignon was a highlight – tender enough to surrender to the gentlest pressure. Yet consistency proves elusive; some meals register as merely satisfactory rather than transporting. For instance and uninspired Lobster Thermidor that could be mistaken for mundane tuna mornay.
No reservations required.
Breakfast: 8:00am-9:30am.
Lunch: 12:00pm-1:30pm.
Dinner: 7:00pm-9:30pm.
The Grill & Hot Rocks: Theatrical dining under the stars
For those seeking respite from formality, The Grill delivers poolside pleasures by day – satisfying burgers, fresh grilled fish, and vibrant salads – before transforming into the interactive Hot Rocks experience after sunset.
This theatrical dinner concept, where guests become culinarians cooking premium cuts tableside on volcanic stones, proves irresistible on balmy Mediterranean evenings. The provided aprons add a playful touch to this hands-on experience that consistently draws enthusiastic participation.
Reservations recommended for evening service.
Lunch: 12:00pm-3:30pm.
Dinner: 7:00pm-9:30pm.
Summing up
While the Silver Whisper’s culinary program occasionally falls short of its lofty aspirations, the variety of venues ensures that discerning passengers will find memorable dishes worthy of the journey. The best approach? Navigate with insider knowledge, gravitating toward each restaurant’s strengths while embracing the romance of dining on the high seas.
About the Author: Jason Kerr
Please be aware that you also need to book the restaurant before embarking. When we booked, we discovered the restaurant was already fully booked for the entire cruise. We’ve never had to book a priori in previous cruises but Silversea has gone this way. Limits the choice greatly and makes Seabourn, Scenic Eclipse and Cunard all the more attractive.