Holland America Line refreshes Rudi’s Sel de Mer specialty restaurant on three ships

Holland America Line is updating its speciality restaurant Rudi’s Sel de Mer with a relaxed Mediterranean bistro feel aboard Rotterdam, Nieuw Statendam and Koningsdam. 

The refreshed venue will feature casual but classic Mediterranean dishes that reflect the cuisine of regional countries including Italy, France, Spain and Greece and is due to be rolled out in January and February 2025.  

Holland America Line’s culinary team developed the refreshed concept and menu for Rudi’s Sel de Mer with oversight by Chef Rudi Sodamin, the restaurant’s namesake. 

Guests will be able to select from a selection of vibrant, light cuisine from the Mediterranean, highlighting traditional ingredients like olive oil, lemon, fresh vegetables and herbs. New table settings will also blend the charm of coastal dining with modern simplicity.   

“The new Mediterranean bistro concept allows us to diversify the menu at Rudi’s Sel de Mer and showcase the beautiful flavours and fresh ingredients that are synonymous with the region,” said Michael Stendebach, Holland America Line’s VP of Food, Beverage and Rooms. 

“By refreshing the menu, we’re able to offer our guests a variety of dishes that appeal to a wide range of palettes, as well as some of the most popular dishes that have been mainstays on the menu from the start,” he added.  

The Rudi’s Sel de Mer dining experience is available for a US$55 supplemental charge per person, and is now included as a dining option with the ‘Have It All’ premium cruise package.  

The new Rudi’s Sel de Mer starter menu showcases a range of flavours that set the tone for the meal to follow. Examples include: 

Burrata and Prosciutto: with cherry tomatoes, thyme and olive oil • Nicoise Salad: seared tuna with preserved lemon oil dressing 

Warm Garlic Shrimp: with olive oil, butter, lemon and basil 

Foie Gras Torchon: with fruit chutney and toasted baguette 

Roasted Baby Beets: with pomegranate, Labneh Salad and balsamic reduction 

Wild Mushroom Soup: with truffle oil, crème fraiche and scallion churro  

The refreshed menu allows diners—whether they’re meat lovers or vegetarians—to embark on a culinary journey, with Mediterranean-inspired mains celebrating fresh, vibrant flavours. Examples include: 

Greek Spiced Lamb Chops: with lemon chickpea puree, fava beans and garlic jus 

Fresh Spaghetti Fruits de Mer: with tomato, tiger prawns, crab, scallops, mussels and clams 

Bone-In Striploin: with chanterelles, confit potatoes tarragon and Shiraz reduction 

Seafood Cioppino: with crab, squid, shrimp, scallops, mussels, grouper and potatoes 

Duck Breast À L’Orange: with orange zest, caramelised orange segments and thyme 

Vegetable Bourguignonne: with mushrooms, carrots, shallots, red wine and misoceleriac purée 

Osso Bucco Ravioli: with cherry tomato, Stracciatella and basil  

Guests at Rudi’s Sel de Mer can close out their meal with the ultimate in dessert decadence from a carefully curated selection that’s designed to delight and impress. Examples include: 

Chocolate Hazelnut Volcano: with raspberries and Frangelico cream 

Salted Caramel St. Honoré: with vanilla puff pastry, Choux paste and chantilly 

Floating Island: chocolate crème Anglaise with toasted pistachios 

Warm Strawberry Tarte Tatin: with sugar puff pastry crust, caramel and crème fraiche 

Home-Made Sorbet/Gelato of the day 

Artisan Cheese served with walnut bread and fig chutney 

Side dishes include bistro fries, celeriac mash, green beans in garlic oil, gratin potato, ratatouille and pilaf rice.