The top 10 Caribbean restaurants for 2020 include establishments from Aruba, Antigua, Bonaire, and the Bahamas.
Truly great meals can become fond memories that we cherish almost as much as experiences or activities while on vacation. That’s why it’s ok to splurge a bit when it comes to dining out!
Caribbean Journal recently released their official list of the 50 best restaurants in the Caribbean. The magazine’s selection is based on three key criteria: food, service, and ambience. Fifty restaurants is certainly a lot, but the magazine insists that it’s impossible to trim down further, since more and more world-class restaurants are being added each year.
Here, we’ll share the top 10, as selected by Caribbean Journal staff.
1. Sheer Rocks, Antigua
Not only does this restaurant feature some of the most stunning views of any eatery in the Caribbean, but it’s headed by a local chef who knows how to infuse every entree with the region’s best flavors. Antiguan Chef Jamal Warner has created a vegetarian and vegan-friendly menu using fresh ingredients and local produce. Located on Ffreyes Beach, Sheer Rocks excels with sunset views, excellent cocktails, and friendly service.
What patrons are saying:
“This place is heaven! Super chilled vibe, friendly staff and delicious food (we had the tapas lunch menu). You have to visit to see the spectacular views first hand as photographs don’t do it justice. We made a day of it spending the morning on Ffryes Beach which was also beautiful. Really recommend.” -Trip Advisor Commenter
2. Brass Boer, Bonaire
Jonnie and Thérèse Boer of the famed three-Michelin star De Librije restaurant in Holland have brought their culinary expertise to the tropical island of Bonaire! Comfortable, cozy seating juxtaposed with incredible views of the Caribbean Sea make this fine dining establishment especially inviting. Delectable specialties include ceviche, foie gras, and oysters.
What patrons are saying:
This place is incredible, beautiful tasteful dishes, good wine, great location. We ordered 3 small dishes each, different ones, and they were all very special! We book this place the moment we book our flight so as not to miss out. Thank you staff for another great culinary night! -Google Reviewer
3. Graycliff, the Bahamas
Easily one of the most talked-about restaurants in the Bahamas, Graycliff serves Bahamian-influenced continental cuisine. Built in what was once a luxurious private home, this posh restaurant exudes sophistication and refinement. Ingredients are sourced locally and around the world. However, Graycliff Restaurant’s biggest claim to fame is the fact that it’s home to one of the largest wine cellars in the world.
What patrons are saying:
“In the heart of old Nassau, this historic mansion is just the spot if your looking to stay in luxury away from the Las Vegas feel of Atlantis. The 5-star restaurant and onsite cigar factory really add to the experience. The restaurant features an award winning wine selection along with some of the rarest cognac I have ever seen.” – Google Reviewer
4. Screaming Eagle, Aruba
Despite its potentially off-putting name, the Screaming Eagle Restaurant in Oranjestad, Aruba is romantic, refined, and glamorous. Although ingredients and recipes are sourced from around the Caribbean and around the world, many offerings on the menu are decidedly French-influenced.
What patrons are saying:
“My wife and I thoroughly enjoyed or evening there last night, Jan. 4, 2020. We were first greeted as if we were familiar friends. We were seated on the terrace where we were able to enjoy the light evening breeze. Then came our Waiter, a delightful young who offered just the right amount of information before we asked, I love Aruba water and my glass stayed full. Now for the food, my wife had a mixed green salad for starters which could have been meal in itself. I had the Lobster Bisque, outstanding, it actually had generous lumps of Lobster in it…”
5. CocoMaya, Virgin Gorda, BVI
Located in a Spanish town just minutes from the famous Baths of Virgin Gorda, CocoMaya (pictured at the beginning of this article) serves Asian fusion cuisine in a semi-formal beachfront atmosphere. It’s the perfect place to start your evening with a creative cocktail, followed by delicious tapas-style food. Kids are welcome, and restaurant staff may even invite them to take part in fun games in the sand, free of charge.
What patrons are saying:
“Amazing hidden secret in BVI. Not to be missed. One of the most memorable dinner experiences I have enjoyed.” – Google Reviewer
6. Ocean 82, St. Martin
Outdoor seating and ocean views set Ocean 82 high above other establishments in Grand Case, Saint Martin. A wonderfully varied menu includes quality seafood entrees, delicious pasta, and decadent desserts served in generous portions. Recently reopened after undergoing repairs due to damage caused by Hurricane Irma, Ocean 82 excels in fine yet family-friendly dining.
What patrons are saying:
“We took a family vacation with our two little kids (ages 4 and 9). It’s a treat to have a fantastic view of the sunset over the crystal blue waters while enjoying fine dining that isn’t in a snobby setting and welcomes your kids. The views, ambiance, service, fresh ingredients, local fish were all amazing.” -Trip Advisor Commenter
7. Savant, St. Croix
St. Croix may be off the radar of most Caribbean cuisine enthusiasts. However, this small island in the US Virgin Islands is home to Savant restaurant, an eclectic eatery newly minted as one of the hottest dining establishments in the region. Comfort food is one the menu– chateau rib steak, venison loin, and grilled scallops are some iconic house favorites.
What patrons are saying:
“This place is amazing! The ambience is fantastic with the courtyard and stone walls, hanging plants, stone bar and rustic feel. There is nothing rustic about the menu however. The fantastic selection of beef, chicken, pork, fish and more sets a standard seen nowhere else on St. Croix! This is a 100% no miss place to experience.” – Google Reviewer
8. Blue by Eric Ripert, Cayman Islands
This acclaimed Ritz-Carlton restaurant offers a superb wine-tasting menu. In addition, each entree is carefully plated and designed, resulting in a truly memorable gastric experience.
What patrons are saying:
“Wow. Amazing food. Did seven course tasting and it blew me away.” -Google Reviewer
9. Vianda, Puerto Rico
This diner in Santurce, Puerto Rico deserves a spot in the top 10, thanks to its delectable farm-to-table food and elegant yet family-friendly atmosphere.
What patrons are saying:
“A fantastic addition to the San Juan food scene. Inventive, well executed dishes with friendly yet refined service.” –Facebook Reviewer
10. The Stone Barn, St. Kitts
As its name implies, this restaurant is housed in a recreated stone barn. However, in no way does this make the its cuisine sub-par. In fact, the Stone Barn reportedly delivers the best-tasting vegan entrees in the Caribbean.
What patrons are saying:
“The food was the best on the whole island of st. Kitts. The paella was absolutely fantastic and the wait staff was extremely attentive and friendly. Wonderful experience.” –Open Table Reviewer
See the complete list of the top 50 Caribbean restaurants selected by Caribbean Journal here.
Main image credit: https://www.cocomayavg.com/
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