Thanks to its rich culture and international history, Barbados is widely regarded as the Caribbean’s capital of cuisine. This small island is home to hundreds of excellent restaurants offering everything from delicious local seafood to imported delicacies. Read on to learn more about the ten best places to eat in Barbados. Discover classic Bajan snacks, fantastic international cuisine, and hidden vegan dining hotspots.
1. Champers, Christ Church Parish
Champers is arguably Barbados’ best-known restaurant. Located on the south coast of the island, this ocean-front restaurant offers some of the best seafood dishes in the Caribbean.
Located in a traditional Barbadian building overlooking the ocean, Champers offers a wonderful combination of taste and atmosphere. The flavours are interesting and intense, the setting is wonderful, and the cost “around 45 per head” is reasonable.
2. Island Plates, Speightstown
Run by two sisters, Island Plates is one of Speightstown’s most popular new culinary destinations. The cafe and restaurant serves plenty of local classic, as well as a wide variety of international dishes.
While it may not be fine dining, Island Plates’ classic Bajan menu offers a wonderful taste of the Caribbean. Drop in during the day for a filling lunch and a tasty coffee to energise you before visiting the beach.
3.Cin Cin By The Sea, Saint James Parish
In less than three years, Cin Cin By The Sea has emerged as one of Barbados’ best restaurants. Offering open air dining beside the ocean, it’s one of the island’s finest seafood hotspots.
Sample some of the restaurant’s excellent nibbles before enjoying classic dishes like jerk pork and fried king fish. Cin Cin By The Sea also serves excellent cocktails from its trendy interior bar.
4.The Cliff, Saint James Parish
Located atop a small cliff overlooking the Caribbean, The Cliff has long been a local favourite. This stylish modern restaurant has an excellent selection of dishes and a lengthy wine list to satisfy even the most selective diners.
Enjoy an excellent international menu offering dishes from Italy, Thailand, France, and the Caribbean. With a minimum charge of $75.00 per person, The Cliff may not be Barbados’ most affordable restaurant, but it is one of its best.
5.The Tides, Holetown
A restaurant, a bar, and an art gallery all in one, The Tides has become Barbados’ hottest place to eat. Drop in early in the evening to view local artwork and sip on one of the restaurant’s famous tropical cocktails.
The Tides gets busy in the late evening, making it important to book ahead if you need a good table. Try the catch of the day for a guaranteed tasty meal or the Mars bar and cookie cheesecake for an unforgettable dessert.
6.The Good Life, Rockley
Located beside Rockley Beach, The Good Life is one of Barbados’ only truly vegan restaurants. Tasty wraps, excellent salads, and some of the best fruit shakes on the island make this great eatery a must-visit for people staying near Rockley.
Not vegan? Don’t let the meat-free menu put you off visiting. From the delicious fruit shakes to the excellent pita wraps, The Good Life offers a satisfying menu that’s sure to impress even non-vegans.
7.Cariba, Saint James Parish
Cariba is one of Barbados’ best fusion restaurants, offering “Caribbean food with an Asian twist”. Opened by Glen Bent and his wife Faye in 2008, Cariba has since grown into one of the most critically acclaimed fusion restaurants in Barbados.
The menu is equal parts Caribbean and contemporary, with dishes like shrimp curry blending delicious local tastes with exotic Asian influences. Make sure you reserve a table if you plan on dining on the weekend, as Cariba fills up quickly.
8.Scarlet, Saint James Parish
Scarlet bills itself as the best place to eat, drink, and play in Barbados. With a 1950s Hollywood interior and an excellent selection of international dishes on the menu, it certainly lives up to its claims.
Known for its excellent cocktails, Scarlet is one of the best restaurants in Barbados for long, filling, and merry dinners. Try the Bajan Espresso Martini for a refreshing energy boost after your meal.
9.Cafe Luna, Christ Church Parish
Located on top of the Little Arches Boutique Hotel, Cafe Luna offers some of the best rooftop dining in Barbados. Specialising in Pan-Tropical food, Cafe Luna blends local tastes with exotic Mediterranean and Asian ingredients.
As the winner of the Barbados Hotel and Tourism Association’s 2012 Restaurant of the Year, Cafe Luna always attracts crowds. Book ahead to secure a table close to the edge for the perfect evening sea view.
10.Tapas, Hastings
Easily accessible from the Hastings boardwalk, Tapas serves classic Spanish food by the sea. Boasting an excellent menu and an extensive wine list, this is one of the best restaurants in Hastings for group dining and relaxing beachfront fun.
Drop in during the day to enjoy a great value lunch menu, or stop by at night to eat excellent tapas, fantastic Italian and Spanish food, and some of the best seafood on the beach. Reservations strongly recommended from December until March.
Kim Goddard is Director of Sales atRoyal Westmoreland.
