With so many great places to eat in these tropical islands, it’s a tough call to come up with the absolute 10 best restaurants in the Caribbean. However, we’ve scoured the internet, searched Google reviews, and asked some locals to find out which diners serve up the best dishes.
Some say that the Caribbean is the most diverse culinary destination in the world! This is because the region is a true melting pot of cultures–Caribbean people come from many different origins. You’ll find that Caribbean dishes often mix familiar ingredients with unfamiliar ones.
In order to make this list, a Caribbean restaurant must meet the following requirements:
- Have excellent reviews.
- Be a 5-star establishment.
- Have won an award recently.
If you’re planning on paying a visit to the sunny Caribbean islands sometime soon, why not add one of these excellent eateries to your itinerary?
If you’ve dined at one of these establishments, or would like to recommend another restaurant to our readers, leave us a comment below!
1. Graycliff Restaurant (Nassau, Bahamas)
Graycliff Restaurant in Nassau was named the #1 restaurant in the Caribbean for 2019 by USA Today’s Readers Choice Awards. Offering continental cuisine with a Bahamian twist, this 5-star dining establishment is a cut above the rest.
Wondering what makes it so special? We’re guessing that the fact that it’s located in a historic colonial mansion certainly helps! Graycliff hotel and restaurant is also home to an award-winning wine cellar.
2. The Landing (Harbour Island, Bahamas)
Once again, Bahamian cuisine tops the list. The Landing on Harbour Island in the Bahamas was ranked the number one restaurant in the Caribbean for 2018, according to the Caribbean Journal. Located in a historic hotel, this 5-star eatery overlooks the harbour, and is just an 8-minute walk from a pink-sandy beach. Dishes include local wahoo and lobster, plus gourmet “island-flavored” food.
The atmosphere at the landing has been described as “lovely”, and “impressive”. It’s the restaurant of choice for wedding rehearsal dinners and other events. See a menu here.
3. COA (Dorado, Puerto Rico)
Ranked the number one Caribbean restaurant by Fodors, this sleek, stylish establishment combines Spanish favorites with Puerto Rican flavors. Located at the Ritz-Carlton, this restaurant reinvents even the most simple dishes, and adds a creative Caribbean flair. It was once known as Mi Casa by José Andrés.
Dishes are on the pricier side, but they’re worth every penny. Even the pickiest foodies will be delighted by these delicacies. The dining room is overwhelmingly attractive and features a beautiful ocean view.
4. Sui-Ren (Turks & Caicos)
A relatively new establishment, Sui-Ren is one of three restaurants at the Shore Club in Turks & Caicos. Sui-Ren means “water lily” in Japanese, an omen to the Japanese-Peruvian fusion food that the restaurant serves. Combining fresh seafood and organic vegetables with a wide variety of spices from many countries, this eatery showcases the very best of the Caribbean. It was ranked #2 in USA Today’s Readers Choice Awards for the best restaurants in the Caribbean.
5. Sheer Rocks (Antigua)
Sheer Rocks stands on rocky cliffs overlooking beautiful Ffryes beach in Saint Mary, Antigua.
Its claim to fame is its romantic beachside location (of course) and a menu that showcases the very best of Antigua. Nearly every ingredient is handpicked or caught locally, and produce is organic and fresh.
6. The Wine Cellar (Willemstad, Curacao)
The winner of TripAdvisor’s 2018 Traveler’s Choice Award, The Wine Cellar in Willemstad, Curacao offers European and French cuisine. As a prestigious member of Chaine des Rotisseurs, this establishment features an extensive wine list and a fantastic continental menu. It is the only classic french style restaurant on Curacao, and boasts such delicacies as lobster bisque and filet mignon.
7. Bistrot Caraibes (St. Martin)
Bistrot Caraibes in St. Martin is the place to go in St. Martin for delicious, fresh seafood. So fresh, in fact, that the lobster are pulled from a fountain out front before being cooked and served.
A local favorite for over twenty years, Bistrot Caraibes features an ample menu, fresh ingredients, and friendly staff. Although there are many French restaurants on St. Martin due to the island’s history with the European nation, the Bistrot has been described as the very best French eatery of all. It’s a title that the owners take quite seriously, and their efforts have earned Bistrot Caraibes a place on USA Today’s list of the best restaurants in the Caribbean for 2018.
8. The Kitchen Table by White Palm (Eagle Beach, Aruba)
Named the best restaurant in the Caribbean by TripAdvisor in 2018, The Kitchen Table in Eagle Beach, Aruba has garnered astounding positive reviews not only from TripAdvisor readers, but on Google reviews as well.
This local favorite serves up local, Caribbean, Cajun, and Creole cuisine. The menu includes appetizing vegetarian and vegan options as well. Those who have dined there have exclaimed, “it’s worth going to Aruba for!”
In addition, The Kitchen Table is located on the spectacular Eagle Beach. This relaxing, elegant beach has been named one of the best beaches in the Caribbean for 2019.
9. Champers Restaurant (Barbados)
With an almost unheard-of 4.8 rating on Facebook and 4.6 on Google, Champers Restaurant has become one of the most popular dining establishments in Barbados. That’s no surprise, considering its lovely location and extensive wine bar. It overlooks Rockley Beach and combines both Caribbean and international flavors.
(Source: menubarbados.com)
10. Straw Hat Restaurant (Meads Bay, Anguilla)
Specializing in unique, eclectic dishes, Straw Hat Restaurant in Anguilla is known for its relaxed atmosphere. While there, you can listen to live music while enjoying fresh seafood and Caribbean cuisine. In addition, the restaurant has a lovely outdoor event space for private events. Located right on the beach, you’ll never lack for incredible ocean views while dining at Straw Hat.
Main image source: menubarbados.com
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