Restaurants and bars on Virgin Voyages’ Resilient Lady
![External of The Dock House on Resilient Lady](https://s1.it.atcdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/HEROdock-house-seating-800x600.jpg)
![External of The Dock House on Resilient Lady](https://s1.it.atcdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/HEROdock-house-seating-315x236.jpg)
Quentin Long has written a review of Virgin Voyages’ Resilient Lady, which is coming to Australia in December 2023. Here, he gives you the details on all the ship’s restaurants and bars.
Truth be told, the food on the Resilient Lady was inconsistent. There are some excellent innovations – my favourite is the self-serve takeaway boxes available in many outlets. I also love The Pizza Place, which is open till late.
Here’s the blow-by-blow breakdown of the restaurants and bars onboard Resilient Lady.
Restaurants
The Wake
This fine dining steak and seafood restaurant is on the aft lower deck. It’s the most sophisticated dining space on the ship, and is one of two eateries open for brunch.
![a sophisticated interior at The Wake, Virgin Voyages’ Resilient Lady](https://s1.it.atcdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/IMG-FNB-the-wake-interior-v1-CB21636-S02-558.jpg)
The Wake has a chic and sophisticated interior.
The dinner menu is relatively typical: you’ll find starter choices of clam chowder, Hamachi crudo and roasted bone marrow, followed by grill and seafood options such as shrimp and grits, pan-roasted salmon and salt-crusted dorade. The three steaks – hangar, filet and New York strip – are complimented by lamb chops, plus the usual sides like potatoes and spinach.
![the dining interior at The Wake, Virgin Voyages’ Resilient Lady](https://s1.it.atcdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/IMG-FNB-wake-interior-main-v1-S02-168-3000x1700-1.jpg)
Grab a glass of wine.
The Wake has the best wine list on the ship, and the sommelier worked hard to find wines to match Australian tastes for the best meal of our trip.
It must be noted that the setting is sophisticated, too; think rose brass features and cream-white leather banquettes. And as you’d expect with Virgin, there’s a cheeky touch. Study some of the fixtures of the dining room and you’ll be in for a breast surprise.
![a spacious seating area at The Wake, Virgin Voyages’ Resilient Lady](https://s1.it.atcdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/IMG-FNB-The-Wake-seating-ginajoyphoto.jpg)
There are plenty of seats inside. (Image: Gina Joy Photo)
Razzle Dazzle
I’m not sure Razzle Dazzle knows what it is. Here, a vegetable-led menu can be made ‘naughty’ with meat add-ons, so you can choose a classic burger or an Impossible burger, the vegan option. The menu doesn’t have anything that’s differentiated enough from The Galley (see below) to make it a must-dine experience, but I’m sure vegetarians would enjoy it.
This is the second restaurant open for brunch. The aesthetic is great, with bright bold red and the black and white dazzle camouflage applied to ships of the First and Second World Wars.
![an avocado toast at Razzle Dazzle, Virgin Voyages’ Resilient Lady](https://s1.it.atcdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/IMG-SCL-2021-FNB-Razzle-Dazzle-avocado-toast-4791F-UNCROPPED.jpg)
Order an avocado toast at Razzle Dazzle to power through the day.
The Test Kitchen
Inspired by the great and original test kitchen of Escoffier, and overseen by New Zealand’s Mark Lambert, a Michelin star winner with his now-defunct NYC establishment The Musket Room, The Test Kitchen offers a six-course degustation with either matching wine, cocktails or beer.
It’s an ambitious undertaking and most of the dishes are memorable. The 10-hour cured smoked salmon and the shrimp pasta (the pasta is made by combining egg and ground shrimp) are outstanding.
The Test Kitchen also challenges the taste buds. A palate cleanser of asparagus, spinach and apple sorbet on a champagne sabayon with ginger jelly and cured asparagus tips confuses my taste buds in a delightful way.
The restaurant is designed to resemble a lab; it’s starkly decorated, with lots of industrial stainless steel and the waiters in lab coats.
![the dining interior at The Test Kitchen, Virgin Voyages’ Resilient Lady](https://s1.it.atcdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/test-kitchen-interior.jpg)
Nab a spot for a six-course degustation at The Test Kitchen.
Pink Agave
An American ship has to nail the Mexican offering. Positioned as elevated Mexican, the botanas (small plates) are great, particularly the aquachile (tuna ceviche).
![Pink Agave interior Resilient Lady](https://s1.it.atcdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/pink-agave-interior-main.jpg)
Enjoy elevated Mexican at Pink Agave.
I would order the camaron en amarillo from the entradas (medium plates) again, but wouldn’t repeat the bistec marinero en estabache from the fuertes (large plates); I like a pretty simple steak and this was dripping in melted cheese (a bad ordering choice on my part).
![Pink Agave bar interior Resilient Lady](https://s1.it.atcdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/pink-agave-bar-interior-main-.jpg)
Have a tipple at Pink Agave’s bar.
Gunbae
Gunbae is the only Korean BBQ at sea, thanks to its flameless grills. Each table is a banquette with an exhaust descending from the ceiling.
The grilled vegetables, seafood and meats – including some seriously good wagyu – are only part of the attraction. Service starts with a complimentary soju (traditional Korean rice spirit), followed by drinking games led by the waitstaff. It’s raucous, loud and a whole heap of fun.
Extra Virgin
This Italian outlet is very good. The antipasti with fresh focaccia is a must, and the handmade pasta is fantastic. My spaghetti vongole had a great balance of slight chilli with white wine and parsley sauce for the clams.
![meal at Extra Virgin, Virgin Voyages’ Resilient Lady](https://s1.it.atcdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/IMG-FNB-extra-virgin-lifestyle-v1-1324.jpg)
Dine at Extra Virgin if you’re craving some meat.
The Galley
Don’t call it a buffet; this table service multi-outlet eatery is an upmarket Westfields food court.
Found on the top deck, The Galley is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, and the menu and outlets change depending on the time of day (except breakfast, as it’s always available).
![Exterior of the Galley on Resilient Lady](https://s1.it.atcdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/galley-architectural-main.jpg)
This table service multi-outlet eatery is not a buffet.
Within The Galley you’ll find:
- The Daily Mix – design your own salad
- The Bento Baby – at breakfast, it serves fruit and yoghurt collections, then conventional sushi
- Diner & Dash – offers all-day breakfast, plus roasts and grills throughout the later parts of the day
- Burger Bar – does what it says on the tin, with classic American burgers
- Let’s Taco Bout It – yep, tacos. While the breakfast burritos are great, the pork taco I had was neither soft nor crunchy, but chewy
- Hot Off The Press – the sandwich bar. The pastrami on rye was straight from a NYC deli
- Noodle Around – serving up ramen in all styles, this was a very popular option
- The Sweet Side – cookies, tarts and chocolate creations
![The galley noodle around on Resilient Lady](https://s1.it.atcdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/galley-architectural-noodle-around.jpg)
The Galley is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
The Dock
Set at the aft of deck seven, this is my pick for a sunset drink and a nibble on some mezze. Choose a day bed, bar stool or low wooden seat, flick your “Ahoy” flag up and the service staff will know you’re ready to order.
![External of The Dock House on Resilient Lady](https://s1.it.atcdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/dock-house-seating.jpg)
The Dock is our pick for a sunset drink.
Everything on the menu is fantastic. If I’d had more time, I would have camped out here a lot.
![an elegant dining interior at The Dock, Virgin Voyages’ Resilient Lady](https://s1.it.atcdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/TheDock.jpg)
Pull up a chair at The Dock. (Image: Gina Joy Photo)
The Social Club
I love the idea of this place and just wish I’d had time to visit it more. The lounge area is filled with thousands of board games, you can order hot dogs, and the milkshakes can be ‘lifted’ with a cheeky shot.
![bar counter at The Social Club, Virgin Voyages’ Resilient Lady](https://s1.it.atcdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/IMG-FNB-the-social-club-main-v1-UNCROPPED.jpg)
Sit and sip a milkshake at The Social Club.
The Pizza Place
This is simply the best pizza at sea. The white truffled egg is a non-negotiable; everyone must have it at least once.
For traditionalists or those who need a midnight pick-me-up, the pepperoni pizza is well worth it.
Or you can mix it all up – the staff can mix and match to your tastes.
Lick Me Till Ice Cream
Double entendre aside, if there were kids onboard there would be a mutiny because the selection is limited. Us adults had what we needed; chocolate, thanks.
![Lick Me Till Ice Cream at Virgin Voyages’ Resilient Lady](https://s1.it.atcdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/IMG-FNB-Lick-Me-Till-Ice-Cream-architectural-wide-v1-2880-3000x1700-1.jpg)
Cool off with a scoop at Lick Me Till Ice Cream.
Bars
Sip Bar
You had me at Champagne bar. The extensive selection is a result of Virgin’s LVMH partnership (so expect Moët, Veuve, Krug and Dom), and the bar seating stretches from romantic tête-à-tête tables to lounges.
![Couches at sip lounge on Resilient Lady](https://s1.it.atcdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/sip-lounge-seating-area-detail.jpg)
Sip Bar’s seating stretches from romantic tête-à-tête tables to lounges.
The Manor
Probably the greatest bar on board, this deep green velvet space is an onboard speakeasy. The entrance hallway is like walking through a golden mirror ball, and inside you’ll find a dark and moody bar – which, when not being used for dinner shows, is possibly the sexiest bar at sea.
![the bar counter at The Manor, Virgin Voyages’ Resilient Lady](https://s1.it.atcdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/TheManor.jpg)
Swing by The Manor for a quick buzz.
Richard’s Rooftop
As befits its moniker, Richard’s Rooftop is on deck 15 of the ship’s stern, with exclusive access for suite guests with a VIP card. It’s not only a great place to spend time, but also serves free Moët from 5–6pm every day for those lucky enough to have the golden key.
![Richard's Rooftop onboard Resilient Lady](https://s1.it.atcdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/richards-rooftop.jpg)
Richard’s Rooftop only has exclusive access for suite guests with a VIP card.
Draught Haus
Serving craft beers from around the world, this small bar is tucked neatly into the top of the Roundabout, the central atrium of the ship (usually referred to as the ship’s lobby). There are eight beers on tap and they offer a growler service, allowing you to take a bottle with you around the ship.
![the bar interior at Draught Haus, Virgin Voyages’ Resilient Lady](https://s1.it.atcdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/IMG-FNB-draught-house-architectural-v1-CB21636-S06-006.jpg)
Try the signature craft beers at Draught Haus.
On The Rocks
Tucked into a bigger space in the atrium, below Draught Haus, Virgin refers to On The Rocks as its martini and cocktail bar. I see it more as the perfect late-night “one more, no more” venue.
![On The Rocks bar seating detail on resilient Lady](https://s1.it.atcdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/on-the-rocks-bar-seating-detail.jpg)
Virgin refers to On The Rocks as its martini and cocktail bar.
The Loose Cannon
You could spend a week on board and not see The Loose Cannon. This sea shanty-style bar is in a cul-de-sac off The Dock House Bar, the interior space for The Dock restaurant on deck seven.
![the bar interior at The Loose Cannon, Virgin Voyages’ Resilient Lady](https://s1.it.atcdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/IMG-FNB-loose-cannon-bar-architectural-interior-main-v1-01-S03_012-3000x1700-1.jpg)
Let loose at The Loose Cannon.
The Aquatic Club Bar
Order your cocktails with umbrellas in them by the pool. In truth, I didn’t get a moment to just sit by the pool (I only discovered some hot tubs tucked into the back of deck 16 on my last evening).
![a pool with sun loungers at Aquatic Club Bar, Virgin Voyages’ Resilient Lady](https://s1.it.atcdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Aquatic-Club-Bar.jpg)
Laze on the sun loungers with a cocktail drink.
Thanks for the great info
Can’t wait till Tasmania on virgin in feb 2024