Gourmet dining on a luxury yacht charter is a culinary journey like no other. It combines the pleasures of fine cuisine with the breathtaking backdrop of the open sea.

When it comes to luxury and extravagance, few experiences rival cruising azure waters aboard a superyacht. These floating palaces offer unparalleled opulence, privacy, and adventure.

Yet, the pinnacle of this lavish lifestyle is undoubtedly the culinary journey curated by your personal onboard chef. Each crewed yacht charter holiday provided by West Nautical comes with a private onboard chef to cater for the duration of your trip. You do also of course have the option to dine ashore in the world's best restaurants, but nothing can beat the exclusivity of the ocean as your backdrop, and guests tend to opt for a combination of the two.

Your onboard chef will have often worked in the world’s finest establishments, some in Michelin-starred restaurants, prior to joining the yachting industry.

Each chef's experience will vary, with different specialities depending on their backgrounds, but all will create magical moments with their undeniable skill.

A beautiful table setting on motor yacht Heeus

There are also different styles of meal to choose from, with guests generally opting to enjoy three courses at dinner, but if you prefer to eat 'family style' with a big selection dishes laid out for everyone to tuck in and help themselves, your wish is your chef's command. Most yachts also have a barbecue on the sun deck, so fresh food can be grilled and served up as you sunbathe.

From breakfast through to dinner, including bespoke cocktails and snacks made by your onboard crew, the gastronomic delights aboard a superyacht are an indulgence for the senses.

Prior to each and every yacht charter, guests will be asked their preferences, and the yacht's chef will create a bespoke menu. Read on to discover a sample menu from below.

Breakfast: A symphony of freshness and flavour

Mornings on a superyacht start with the gentle sounds of waves and a breathtaking sunrise. Breakfast is nothing short of a masterpiece. Imagine beginning your day with:

• Freshly baked pastries: croissants, pain au chocolat, and a variety of breads, baked to perfection and served warm.
• Exquisite eggs: Whether you prefer classic eggs benedict with a twist of truffle, shakshouka,  or a delicate soufflé omelette, your chef will prepare it to perfection.
• Healthy bowls: A selection of vibrant smoothie bowls, topped with exotic fruits, nuts, and edible flowers.

All images are real dishes from the West Nautical fleet. 

Lunch: A midday feast of global cuisine

As the sun climbs higher and the yacht finds the perfect anchorage, lunch becomes a global culinary journey. Your chef (many of which have worked in Michelin star restaurants and fine dining establishments) draws inspiration from the best of Mediterranean, Asian, and fusion cuisines to create a mid-day feast, depending on your preferences.

• Mediterranean mezze: An array of tapas-style dishes featuring olives, hummus, grilled vegetables, and freshly caught seafood.
• Asian fusion: Sushi and sashimi platters, Thai salads with tangy dressings, and spicy Korean BBQ skewers.
• Gourmet salads: Fresh, crisp salads with locally sourced ingredients.
• Signature dishes: Grilled catch of the day with a side of truffle fries or a delicate risotto made with the finest seasonal ingredients.
• Catch of the day. Depending on where you are in the world you can catch your own lunch!

Dinner: An Elegant Gastronomic Experience

As evening descends and the stars illuminate the night sky, dinner on a superyacht is transformed into an elegant affair. Your chef orchestrates a multi-course tasting menu that is as visually stunning as it is delicious. Each course is complemented by premium wines,  or your preferred selection of beverages. Your crew will create a range of spectacular table settings to complement the meal, from your favourite themes to surprise settings to match the cuisine.

Dinner will often be three courses, and you can always choose to have your crew provide silver service style dining for formal dinners and events. Whet your appetite with some example menus:

1. Mediterranean Delight

• Appetizer: Caprese Salad: Fresh buffalo mozzarella, vine-ripened tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic reduction and extra virgin olive oil.
• Main Course: Grilled Sea Bass: Served with a lemon-caper sauce, accompanied by roasted garlic potatoes and sauteéd spinach.
• Dessert: Tiramisu: A classic Italian dessert with layers of coffee-soaked ladyfingers, mascarpone cream, and cocoa powder.

2. Asian Fusion

•  Appetizer: Tuna Tataki: Lightly seared tuna with sesame seeds, served with ponzu sauce and a side of wakame salad.
• Main Course: Miso-Glazed Black Cod: Served with jasmine rice and steamed baby bok choy, garnished with pickled ginger
• Dessert: Mango Sticky Rice: Sweet sticky rice with coconut milk and ripe mango slices, topped with toasted sesame seeds.

3. French Elegance

• Appetizer: Lobster Bisque: A rich and creamy soup made from fresh lobster, served with a touch of cognac and a dollop of crème fraîche.
• Main Course: Coq au Vin: Braised chicken in red wine with mushrooms, pearl onions, and lardons, served with buttered baby potatoes.
• Dessert: Crème Brûlée: A classic French dessert with a caramelized sugar top and creamy vanilla custard beneath.

Cocktails: A Sunset Sip with a View

No superyacht experience is complete without the perfect cocktail to enjoy as the sun sets over the horizon. The crew’s mixologist crafts bespoke cocktails that reflect the essence of your journey.

Timeless cocktails like the Negroni, Old Fashioned, or a perfectly balanced Martini and unique concoctions designed to surprise and delight with a theatrical flair.

So what next? Get in touch to make your booking for your next charter at info@westnautical.com or head over to our quick and easy form for bespoke yacht recommendations.