There are a few foods at Royal Caribbean's private island that I must order every single time I visit.
From funnel cakes to refreshing fresh fruit, a wide variety of free food caters to every pallet.
Five complimentary venues serve the island: Skipper’s Grill, Chill Grill, and 3 locations of the Snack Shack.
You’ll also find four extra-cost restaurants, or ones included with the cost of admission: Captain Jack’s, Coco Beach Club, Hideaway Hut, and Slice of Paradise at Hideaway Beach.
What are the best dishes to try at each venue?
If your next cruise includes a visit to this idyllic island, here are the top eleven food favorites at Perfect Day at CocoCay to try out.
Read more: Your really dumb Perfect Day at CocoCay questions answered
1. Funnel cake
Even if you don’t usually indulge in a deep-fried snack, the free funnel cake is the perfect beach treat.
Made with deep-fried spirals of dough and light powdered sugar, the sweet and greasy treat makes for a delicious snack by the beach, the pool, or before you enter an exciting amenity.
I always notice that whenever someone walks by with a funnel cake, other people take notice and then go order one for themselves. This sweet, warm dessert will inspire everyone around you to get a taste.
You can find funnel cake at any of the three different Snack Shack locations on the island: near Thrill Waterpark, Oasis Lagoon, or South Beach.
2. Fresh fruit
I always love eating fresh fruit, whether for a snack, breakfast, or dessert.
You can find pineapple, watermelon, apples, and oranges available at many complimentary food venues. The pineapple and watermelon come in pre-cut slices, while you can grab the apples and oranges whole, even putting them away in a bag for later.
I’ve also seen other varieties of fruit available.
Depending on the day, they could serve pears, mangos, kiwis, bananas, cantaloupe, honeydew melon, or papayas.
You can find fruit at all the dining locations, but Skipper’s Grill and Chill Grill will have the most options.
Read more: I went to CocoCay for the first time, and here's what I'd do differently
3. Greek salad
I love the salad options on Perfect Day at CocoCay. You can add chicken to any salad, free of charge.
Made up of lettuce, tomatoes, black olives, cucumbers, bell peppers, and feta cheese, this salad is a refreshing, healthy dish.
The Greek salad is served at the Snack Shack.
4. Shack burger
The Shack burger is one of the favorite entrees offered on Perfect Day at CocoCay. Royal Caribbean refers to this burger as its “hall of fame dish” when it comes to Perfect Day at CocoCay selections.
Made with a beef patty on a brioche bun, the burger is stacked with American cheese, lettuce, a slice of Beefsteak tomato, and a secret sauce called the Shack sauce.
The cruise line has revealed that this sauce is made with mayonnaise, ketchup, and sweet relish, all mixed together and refrigerated.
You can find this burger at the Snack Shack.
5. Crispy chicken sandwich
Another popular sandwich is the crispy chicken sandwich.
Crispy fried chicken is served up on a brioche bun with lettuce, basil, mayonnaise, and pickles.
To create the "secret sandwich" pictured above, just ask the Snack Shack worker for it by name.
You can find the crispy chicken sandwich at the Snack Shack.
6. Portobello and mozzarella sandwich
For a slightly healthier sandwich—or if you’re looking for a vegetarian option—we recommend the panini portobello and mozzarella sandwich.
Portobello mushrooms and mozzarella cheese make up the protein of this sandwich. The mozzarella is melted over fried mushrooms for a simple yet tasty meal.
You can find this sandwich at Skipper’s Grill and Chill Grill.
7. Tacos
Not only are there delicious tacos available on this private island, but they’re also served in a build-your-own, buffet format.
You can create your own tacos, starting with your choice of tortilla, and choose additions like pork, Mexican rice, and beans. Next, you can add even more toppings like salsa, sour cream, cheese, guacamole, lettuce, jalapenos, lime, Tabasco sauce, and more.
You can find tacos at Skipper’s Grill and Chill Grill.
8. Brownie
For an extra-decadent dessert, try the rich, gooey chocolate brownie with double the chocolate chips. Not only is it filled with chocolate goodness, but it’s also topped with caramel for an extra sweet and chewy texture.
To add even more sweetness to your dessert, you can top the brownie with a side of soft-serve ice cream.
You can find brownies at Skipper’s Grill, Chill Grill, and the Snack Shack.
9. Grilled Bahamian Lobster
For a luxury private dining experience, you can purchase exclusive access to the Coco Beach Club.
All the food at this venue is included in the cost of your admission, and one of the best is the Bahamian lobster.
This local seafood is served with sea salt, olive oil, lemon juice, aioli sauce, and a side of truffle fries and grilled vegetables.
The lobster is included with your entrance fee for the Coco Beach Club.
Read more: I tried it: Coco Beach Club at Perfect Day at CocoCay
10. Mozzarella sticks
The mozzarella sticks at Perfect Day at CocoCay are delightful—one of my favorite snacks on the island.
Gooey, melted mozzarella cheese is encased in golden-brown fried flour. The salty flavor of the sticks is complete on its own, but they also come with a marinara sauce for that savory, garlic-y punch.
You can find mozzarella sticks at the Snack Shack.
11. Chicken wings
Craving chicken wings?
For an extra cost, you can satisfy your cravings.
The chicken wings are served with a variety of sauces you can choose from: buffalo, mango habanero, Caribbean jerk, and bourbon barbecue.
You can find chicken wings at Captain’s Jack’s, for sale for $7.95 per 10 wings.
Read more: What to do at CocoCay? 18 things to try on your visit
