Why Le Petit Chef on Celebrity Apex is a Must-Try

In May 2024, I enjoyed a wonderful four-night cruise on the Celebrity Apex, departing from Southampton, UK. One of the main highlights of my trip was dining at Le Petit Chef in Le Grand Bistro.

Related: Read my Celebrity Apex Review.

This dining experience has always intrigued me with its promise of combining delicious food with an entertaining show. And let me tell you, it exceeded my expectations! And here’s why…

Background on Le Petit Chef

Le Petit Chef is a truly unique dining concept that combines the art of cuisine with cutting-edge technology. Created by Skullmapping, a collective known for its innovative 3D projection mapping, this experience brings a tiny animated chef to life right on your dining table. 

The chef, no bigger than your hand, “prepares” each course in a whimsical, entertaining performance projected onto your table. It’s like having a private, animated cooking show, and it’s as delightful as it sounds.

Dining Experience

There are typically two seating times, at 6 p.m. (which we opted for) and 8:30 p.m., so punctuality is important to fully enjoy the experience​, which took about an hour and a half.

From the moment you sit down, you’re in for a treat. As the lights dim, a story begins to unfold about Le Petit Chef and his culinary adventures. Each course is paired with an animated sequence in which the chef demonstrates the preparation of the dish. 

The timing is impeccable; as the animated chef finishes, the real dish is served. This seamless transition from animation to reality creates a captivating and interactive dining experience.

Menu and Courses

The menus can vary depending on the ship and the time of year, but it’s always four courses.

Here’s what I enjoyed (the photos do not do it justice):

Each dish was delicious and beautifully presented. My husband opted for the “Le Menu Extraordinaire,” which perfectly matched the animations. 

However, if you choose an alternative menu, the animations won’t match up, but the staff is very accommodating and will ensure you still have a great time.

Also, I would say the food was quite “grown up,” so when we booked, we asked if my daughter could have some other food. They cooked burgers and chips for her and absolutely spoiled her and didn’t charge anything!

Here’s the menu we had, although I know sometimes it can change.

The Price

Dining at Le Petit Chef on the Celebrity Apex comes with a cover charge of approximately $55 to $60 per person. This fee includes the full four-course meal and the immersive animated show that accompanies each course. While this might seem a bit pricey compared to other dining options on the ship, it’s important to consider what you’re getting for the cost.

I know of a few people who have experienced the same thing, but in London, which I think is about twice the price, so on the ship, you’re getting a good deal.

My Verdict

Overall, dining at Le Petit Chef was a highlight of our cruise. The combination of entertaining animations and high-quality food made for an unforgettable evening. The service was excellent, and the attention to detail was evident in every aspect of the meal. The chef (the real one) came around at the end to make sure everyone had a good experience.

I enjoyed it as an adult, but it’s also great if you have children. The animations keep them entertained throughout the meal, making it a fantastic option for families. My daughter was delighted with the special attention and her custom meal, which added an extra layer of enjoyment to our dining experience.

If you’re ever on the Celebrity Apex or another Celebrity ship with Le Petit Chef, I highly recommend experiencing this unique dining experience.