Explora Journeys understands the onboard dining experience is a key point of difference that helps set its ships apart from others in the ultra-luxury market.
Therefore, no stone has been left unturned in the pursuit of culinary happiness on the brand new Explora I, which launched in August 2023.
There are six restaurants including a Emporium Marketplace dining area with a myriad of food options. All of the restaurants have their own gastronomic identity.
Emporium Marketplace
Fil Rouge offers French-inspired international dishes in an elegant setting, Sakura is an immersive pan-Asia restaurant, Marble & Co. Grill has prime meats from across the globe, Med Yacht Club is a family-style eatery, and Anthology offers a seven-course tasting menu curated by a Michelin-starred chef.
One standout feature of Fil Rouge are the carts that deliver desserts to diners.
Seeing elegant trollies whizz around dining rooms was once a common sight in formal white-tablecloth restaurants on land, but rarely have they been seen at sea.
Another highlight of Fil Rouge is its signature dish – tuna tataki with crispy tomato-olive tart, vegetables and vanilla white pepper.
Sakura
Sakura, named after the Japanese cherry blossom, features an open kitchen and outdoor seating for those looking to dine al fresco. The restaurant is inspired by Asia’s rich cultural heritage.
Just 26 diners can eat outside so it’s no surprise Explora Journeys recommends passengers reserve a table due to the limited capacity. The indoor seating area can hold 92 people.
Despite the heavy focus on Japan (there’s even a Sake sommelier), dishes from Thailand, Vietnam and Malaysia are also listed on Sakura’s menu.
If caviar is your thing, make sure you book a table at Marble & Co. Grill.
Oscietra caviar is placed on top of crushed fingerling potatoes made with artisanal butter Bordier.
Bordier still churns its butter, unlike most French butter-makers, and only uses milk sourced within a 100-kilometre radius of Brittany, France, where the company is located.
Maybe you prefer a Mediterranean vibe? If so, head to the Med Yacht Club. The relaxed dining venue is open for lunch and dinner and is inspired by the sophisticated, beachside restaurants of Italy, Spain, Greece and France.
Med Yacht Club
Grilled octopus and caprese with cherry tomatoes and burrata are the two signature dishes here.
The list of dishes available at the lavishly appointed Emporium Marketplace is endless. There are no fewer than 18 cooking stations at the all-day dining spot.
You can choose sushi, fresh seafood, pasta and a rotisserie offering grilled, roasted and slow-cooked meats.
Pizzas and home-made sandwiches are also available.
The restaurant can seat more than a third of the ship at full capacity. There are 271 seats indoors and 70 outside.
Two Michelin-starred chef, Emma Bengtsson has curated the tasting menu at Anthology. The restaurant’s tasting menu features flavours which are influenced by Chef Bengtsson’s native Scandinavia. This shows the level of quality diners can expect when they pay €190 per person for the tasting menu. The wine pairing is priced at €75 per person.
Anthology