What to Eat in Anguilla

After purchasing flights, booking your private villa, and packing your suitcase, it’s time to answer another incredibly important question about your Caribbean vacation: where are you going to eat? And if you’re headed for this tiny island named after an eel, you’re probably wondering what to eat in Anguilla!

The stomach is not to be ignored, and the Caribbean islands have plenty of goodies to satisfy it. We guarantee it– even the pickiest tastebuds will find something delectable to savor in paradise.

Anguilla Cuisine

Whether you love traditional Caribbean cuisine, fusion food, or even comforting American-ish grub like hamburgers and french fries, you’ll find it all in Anguilla.

However, you shouldn’t be afraid to try a little something new!

Now, you’ll definitely find plenty of fresh seafood in Anguilla restaurants. Nevertheless, that’s not all that this tiny island has to offer as far as cuisine. Take a look at some of the best places to dine while on vacation in Anguilla:

Fine dining: Veya Restaurant

Established in 2007, this “treehouse” style restaurant got exceptional reviews from The NY Times, Bon Appetit, Food & Wine and The London Times.

According to Frommers, “on an island blessed with top-caliber chefs and the Caribbean’s best dining scene, this Sandy Ground “treehouse” is one of the best-and it’s only been around since 2007. The Pennsylvania chef/owners call their food the “cuisine of the sun”, and it’s a minxy fusion of exotic flavors from hot spots around the globe”.

Photo Credit: Veya Restaurant, Anguilla

Enjoy live music while you dine, courtesy of local artists that play classic and contemporary jazz, rhythm & blues, and pop covers.

Prices

Entrees range from $15 to $48, desserts are $12.

Cuisine

These dishes could best be described as “innovative” and “unique”. The chefs combine flavors from all over the world in curious ways to give you an experience instead of just a meal. Here are a few items off the menu:

Moroccan Spiced Shrimp Cigars, Roasted Tomato Charmoula And Spicy Apricot Sauce
Grilled Jerk Spiced Tuna, Rum Coffee Glaze, Caramelized Pineapple And Fried Plantains
Grilled Local Lobster, Passion Fruit Mustard Sauce, Gingered Sweet Potato And Toasted Garlic Spinach
Chocolate Hazelnut Mousse Bar With Malted Chocolate Ice Cream And Espresso Creme Anglaise

Photo Credit: Veya Restaurant

If those offerings don’t make your mouth water, we don’t know what will…

Casual Local Cuisine: Blanchards Beach Shack

Located in the West End village in Meads Bay, Blanchards Beach Shack is well-known among locals and tourists alike. It’s a friendly hangout that offers some relief to your wallet without skimping on quality.

Now, Blanchards has a beach shack and a restaurant.

At the beach shack, you can find a spot under a shady tree right on the white sandy beach, and enjoy a snack or a meal. Menu items include flatbread sandwiches, warm potato-roll sandwiches, and street tacos, as well as frozen treats and beer.

Although this cute beach shack was hit hard by Hurricane Irma in 2017, efforts to rebuild are well underway, and the restaurant is reportedly open for business again as of November 2018.

Prices

Entrees range from about $5 to $20.

Cuisine

Here are a few samplings off Blanchards Beach Shack’s menu:

*Note that the establishment has a restaurant menu, “beach shack” menu, and kid’s menu.

Thai Red Curry Mussels
Coffee-Crusted Steak Crostini
Grilled Anguilla Crayfish
Seared Ahi Tuna Steak Sandwich
Chunky Gazpacho
And for dessert… there are a plethora of tasty items, such as Coconut Cheesecake and Sour Cream Cheesecake in a Glass

Fresh Seafood: Falcon Nest Restaurant

This is one of Island Harbour’s finest spots for authentic Caribbean cuisine. Whether you stop by for lunch or dinner, you can enjoy fresh seafood at economic prices. They’re famous for their lobster dishes, including lobster burgers, fish bites, and a lovely view of the harbor.

Photo Credit: TripAdvisor

If your looking for a place that locals love to frequent, this is a great “catch”. Since the restaurant sits right on the dock, you can watch local fisherman pull in their catches, and children taking a dip in the Caribbean Sea.

Don’t forget to grab a rum punch, and accompany it with one of these delectable options for Falcon Nest’s menu:

Steam Pot Fish
Grilled Wahoo
Mahi-Mahi
Grilled Lobster

Prices

The price range at the Falcon Nest Restaurant is between US$6 for a burger and $35 for a lobster meal.

Vegetarian options, Vegan options, Gluten-free: Tasty’s Restaurant

Tasty’s Restaurant in South Hill will take your tastebuds to the next level– and there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for vegetarian cuisine, vegan options, or gluten-free meals, you’ll find it at Tasty’s.

Described by many as an “Anguillian favorite”, the restaurant provides a bright, welcoming atmosphere, and fresh, flavorful food prepared with Caribbean flair. You’ll probably want to visit more than once during your trip.

They serve breakfast, too– try something special like the salt fish and Johnny cakes. They’re open from morning till night, and can also accommodate large groups. (Note, however, that they close at 3 and open again at 5:30).

A tasty seafood salad from Tasty’s, anyone? (Photo Credit: TripAdvisor)

Prices

Breakfast $7-$10

Meals approximately $20 to $50

Cuisine

A few delectable sample items from the menu:

Seared tuna with mango and pineapple salsa, served with sauteed vegetables
Stuffed chicken breast with coconut curry sauce paired with herbed roasted potatoes and vegetables
Deep dark chocolate cake layered with banana mousse
Warm bread pudding (a Caribbean favorite!) served with vanilla ice cream and a guava drizzle

Planning your trip to Anguilla

Now is the perfect time to plan your trip to Anguilla and decide which of these lovely restaurants you’d like to patronize. Although this beautiful island was hit hard by Hurricane Irma in 2017, restaurant owners have worked tirelessly to restore their businesses to their former glory– or better.

Your trip to Anguilla can support these local businesses in their endeavors to rebuild and recapture the island’s beauty and charm.

If you’re looking for things to do while visiting this fantastic island paradise, see our article about some amazing things to see and do while in Anguilla.