*The Butcher’s Block by Dario © Princess Cruises*

The Butcher’s Block by Dario is a specialty dining venue available on the newest Princess Cruises ships. This exclusive experience brings the traditions of world-renowned Italian butcher Dario Cecchini to sea, offering a curated meat-forward menu inspired by generations of Tuscan culinary heritage. With a focus on aged beef sourced from Catalonia, Spain, The Butcher’s Block is designed for travelers who appreciate high-quality cuts and traditional European preparation.

Click here to view The Butcher’s Block by Dario menu.

Click here to view The Butcher’s Block by Dario bar menu and wine list.

About The Butcher’s Block by Dario

The Butcher’s Block by Dario is a concept developed in collaboration with Dario Cecchini, an eighth-generation Italian butcher famous for his restaurants and butcher shops in Tuscany. His philosophy blends respect for traditional methods with a commitment to quality and sustainability. Onboard Princess Cruises, this vision comes to life with a menu that honors classic Tuscan flavors while delivering a high-end dining experience.

The restaurant features a communal, family-style setting, ideal for guests who want to connect over a shared meal. The environment is inspired by rustic Italian charm and meat-centric hospitality. Service is attentive but unpretentious, with a focus on delivering flavorful dishes made from carefully selected ingredients.

The Butcher’s Block by Dario Menu Highlights

The menu at The Butcher’s Block by Dario follows a set structure known as Menu Del Maestro Macellaio, or The Master Butcher Chef’s Table. This multi-course meal is served family style and showcases the full range of Cecchini’s culinary expertise.

The experience begins with Tuscan bread, raw vegetables served with extra virgin olive oil, specialty salt, and Dario’s house-made beef butter known as Burro del Chianti. One of the early highlights is Pancia di Manzo, a traditional beef preparation.

The first course includes two raw beef specialties: steak tartare topped with Osetra caviar, and truffled beef carpaccio with oyster mushrooms and parmesan. A Caesar-style salad with pancetta, parmesan croutons, and garlic dressing rounds out the starters.

The middle course features giant tiger shrimp and scallops served in herbed garlic butter, offering a seafood contrast before the main meat presentation.

The main course is the centerpiece: Costato o Bistecca Fiorentina, a large T-bone steak broiled and served with foie gras, red wine sauce, and roasted carrots. This dish highlights Dario’s emphasis on high-quality beef with deep flavor and traditional preparation.

Dessert options include a classic tiramisu and a citrus olive cake with bold orange flavors and aromatic olive oil.

The beverage menu includes a curated wine list with selections from Italy, California, and beyond, along with sparkling options like prosecco and Piper Heidsieck champagne. Specialty cocktails include combinations like the Elderflower Sunset and the Blossom Breeze, designed to pair well with rich meat dishes.

Cost to Eat at The Butcher’s Block by Dario

Dining at The Butcher’s Block by Dario carries a specialty dining cover charge. The standard cover charge is $60 per person. This fee includes the full multi-course menu, with optional wine or cocktails available for an additional charge. Guests with the Princess Plus or Princess Premier packages can use their beverage packages for select drinks and can also receive a 25% discount on bottles of wine ordered at the restaurant.

An 18% service charge is automatically added to all food and beverage purchases. Due to the popularity and limited seating at The Butcher’s Block, advance reservations are highly recommended. This venue is ideal for guests looking to celebrate a special occasion or enjoy a more immersive, family-style dining experience at sea.

Which Ships Have The Butcher’s Block by Dario?

The Butcher’s Block by Dario is currently featured onboard the Star Princess and Sun Princess, the newest ships in the Princess Cruises fleet. The Sphere-class vessels debuted with an expanded dining program that includes multiple new specialty venues, with The Butcher’s Block standing out for meat lovers.

Future deployment of The Butcher’s Block on other Princess Cruises ships has not yet been confirmed, but guests interested in this dining experience should look specifically for itineraries on the Star Princess and Sun Princess. Additional ships may add this venue in the coming years as Princess expands its specialty offerings.

Conclusion

The Butcher’s Block by Dario is a standout specialty restaurant on Princess Cruises, offering a memorable and flavorful experience centered around high-quality aged beef and traditional Italian butchery. With a structured multi-course menu, expertly sourced ingredients, and a connection to Dario Cecchini’s culinary heritage, it’s an ideal option for travelers who appreciate bold, meat-focused dining.

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