The Test Kitchen on Virgin Voyages offers a fresh take on dining, blending creativity and culinary exploration. Inspired by the cookbook Ma Cuisine by Auguste Escoffier, this venue invites sailors to approach dining as an experiment, with a fixed seasonal tasting menu that highlights both flavor and technique.

Styled to resemble a science lab, The Test Kitchen’s decor complements its focus on education and experimentation. It’s a standout venue on the ship, known for its inventive approach to cuisine and unique dining concept.

The Test Kitchen Experience

The menu at The Test Kitchen stands out with its creative and inventive dishes, designed to impress both the eyes and the palate. This dining experience encourages sailors to explore unique flavor and texture combinations, offering a distinctive and engaging culinary journey.

Given that it’s a multi course menu, sailors should not feel obliged to finish or even enjoy everything. Some dishes may challenge your palate and that’s part of the fun.

The Test Kitchen Food Menus

There are three different menus that The Test Kitchen alternates between depending on the ship, itinerary and length of voyage.

Menu Rotations

There is no set rotation for the menus, and it varies across the fleet. However, Menu A & Menu C are typically the default options, switching halfway through your voyage. Menu B is offered on select longer voyages in an equal rotation. To get the most accurate schedule for your sailing, check with The Test Kitchen host on day one.

Menus

As the dishes are all-inclusive, don’t hesitate to ask for more of any dish that particularly delights you or to swap to the veggie/meat menu for a course. It’s an opportunity to savor the flavors and textures that make The Test Kitchen a unique dining experience.

Key: (v) vegetarian (vv) vegan (gf) gluten free (gfo) gluten free optional

Menu A

Menu A features a variety of non-vegetarian and vegetarian dishes, with the beef or venison tenderloin being the highlight, served with a rich chocolate sauce for added depth. Other non-vegetarian options include scallops with ham and an egg yolk with caviar. On the vegetarian side, the menu offers fresh choices like gazpacho, asparagus with hazelnuts, and a vegetable tart, along with coconut and strawberry for a light, sweet finish.

Non Vegetarian

1. Mushroom
2. Egg Yolk / Caviar* (gf)
3. Scallop / Ham (gf)
4. Beef or Venison Tenderloin (gf)
5. Chocolate

Vegetarian

1. Gazpacho (vv) (gf)
2. Olive Oil Caviar (vv) (gf)
3. Asparagus / Hazelnuts (vv) (gf)
4. Vegetable Tart (vv) (gf)
5. Coconut / Strawberry (vv) (gf)

View Menu A

Menu B

Menu B offers a variety of non-vegetarian and vegetarian dishes, with the lamb rack standing out as a rich and flavorful option. Other non-vegetarian choices include salmon, shrimp, and a corn and truffle dish. For vegetarians, there are options like barley risotto, tofu, and beet with cashews, along with fresh dishes like tomato and olive and mango with chia.

Non-Vegetarian Options:

1. Corn / Truffle (v) (gf)
2. Salmon / Cucumber* (gf)
3. Shrimp / Garlic
4. Lamb Rack* (gf)
5. Strawberry / Pistachio (v)

Vegetarian Options:

1. Tomato / Olive (vv)
2. Tofu (vv)
3. Beet / Cashews (vv) (gf)
4. Barley Risotto (vv)
5. Mango / Chia (vv) (gf)

View Menu B

Menu C

Menu C showcases a balance of non-vegetarian and vegetarian options, with the Study of Chicken as the standout dish, offering a unique take on poultry. The eel with soy and scallops with black garlic add rich, savory flavors, while the Yuzu and Meringue provide a light, refreshing finish. For vegetarians, options like eggplant with nori, vegetable papillote, and gnocchi with squash highlight fresh, plant-based ingredients, with coconut and berries rounding out the menu with a sweet, tropical touch.

Non Vegetarian

• Eel / Soy
• Scallop / Black Garlic (gf)
• Cheese Tart (v)
• Study of Chicken
• Yuzu / Meringue (v)

Vegetarian

• Eggplant / Nori (vv)
• Vegetable Papillote (vv) (gf)
• Tofu / Berries (vv) (gf)
• Gnocchi / Squash (vv) (gf)
• Coconut / Berries (vv) (gf)

View Menu C

The Test Kitchen Drinks Pairing & Menus

The Test Kitchen also offers an excellent value set of pairings including wine, cocktails, mocktails and beer, a great way to kickstart an evening. Sailors can use their on-board Bar Tab on this option, which is a fantastic use of it. The pairing adapts to each menu.

Download Drinks Menu

Note: Availability and pricing is subject to change. If you notice any changes please let us know via our contact form. 

Overview

The Test Kitchen is ideal for anyone open to trying something different. While the concept might seem unfamiliar, a cruise is a great chance to explore new flavors, especially knowing you can always order something else if needed or even head to get pizza or burgers later!

This unique dining experience combines an innovative menu with a science-lab-inspired setting, offering a relaxed way to step outside your usual choices. Bring an open mind and enjoy the journey.