epicurean
Restaurant File: Barbados
Beachfront dining, authentic eateries and gourmet Bajan cuisine
Best known for its beaches and rum, the culinary options in Barbados are many. Bajans are blessed with a rich heritage of African, European, Indian and East Asian cultural influences, plus the natural bounty of the sea and tropical produce. You can taste the delicious and often spicy results of this heady fusion at the island's seemingly countless restaurants. Do book ahead in season and be aware that all kitchens close at 2:30pm. Although there are certainly others, here are my favorites mixed in with my insider commentary, including Geetika Jain, who owns a beautiful villa in St. James.
Bajan Blue at Sandy Lane Resort
Bajan Blue is Sandy Lane's newly opened, upscale version of the buffet. Friends say while it's overpriced, the quality is top-notch. They bill it as an "interactive experience" in which guests are "invited to join us in our kitchen", which means, come up and serve yourself at mother-of-pearl encrusted buffets. The neat part—which is not new but seemed nice—was that every night has a different theme—American Steakhouse, The West Indies, Mediterranean, Indian, Oceana, Southeast Asian—so if you are really hankering for a way better than average, all you can eat meal with lots of choice in a nice setting (the restaurant opens up to the beach), this might be your option. There is a handsome, large lounge outside the restaurant with a great wine cellar.
Sandy Lane
St. James
Barbados
246 444 2000
The Tides
Holetown
The Tides restaurant is a great pick for casual elegance on the sea. By day or by night, the view here is extraordinary and the ambiance is right for romance for friends or a family looking for a special dining experience. And the food is delicious. Chef Guy Beasley offers a diverse intercontinental menu with choices based on the traditions of Italy, France Asia and the Caribbean. If you have any special food requirements, do not hesitate to ask. You can go as far as to give the chef a list of all the foods you cannot eat and he will prepare you something off menu that is as outstanding as that which he has planned for. With an elegant, yet comfortable coral stone lounge and beautiful art for the browsing, the restaurant is truly a must.
The Tides
Balmore House
Holetown, St. James
Barbados
+246 432 8356
The Cliff
St. James
The Cliff has the reputation of being THE upscale, alfresco restaurant on the island. I'll warn you straight off: it is extremely pricey. Some say worth it, I say silly. Perched on a ten-foot-high cliff overlooking the sea, the setting is dramatic. "By far the most romantic restaurant on the island", says concierge Soraya Ho Sing Loy. Do book well in advance for a table along the railing, these are illuminated by torch-lights after dark. Michael Sealy, a concierge at Sandy Lane Resort, has the Cliff on speed dial. "The menu is ultra modern and the delicacies guarantee a good meal". While I agree that it is a very "new" menu with Asian, Bajan and European influences, it is a bit fussy for my taste. If you like Thai, try the shrimp with green curry coconut sauce. And be sure to save room for hot chocolate pudding with run cream!
The Cliff
Derricks
St. James
Barbados
+246 432 1922
The Restaurant at Southsea
St. Lawrence Gap
The Restaurant at Southsea is the most awarded restaurant on the island. It twice won Best Restaurant on Barbados, it was named one of 66 Top Hot Tables by Conde Nast Traveler, and is the only 4 diamond restaurant rated by Triple A. Isn't it fun sometimes to go to a place like this just to see if it measures up the accolades? This elegant restaurant exists because two of Barbados best culinary talents decided to take an old Barbadian home with a huge veranda overlooking the sea and turn it into an epicurean delight. Each dish they prepare from the simple Olive Oil Poached Tilapia to the exotic Carpaccio of Ostrich Tenderloin is prepared and presented with great care and gorgeous style. Although definitely gourmet, the portions are, in my opinion, right sized.
The Restaurant at Southsea
St. Lawrence Gap
Barbados
The Lone Star
Mt. Standfast
Pull up to an old Texaco filling station set directly on a beautiful west coast beach, and here you are at the famed casual meets trendy Lone Star. Owned by British born Christian Roberts, for the last 10 years, this cool & breezy canteen offers a quirky blend of modern European meets Mediterranean and Caribbean fare. When I went in the middle of the day in March, I could have ordered a full English Sunday roast (!) but instead we all shared the delicious calamari and I enjoyed the tuna tar-tare with mango puree. One of my favorite things about the Lone Star is the comfy chairs you just sink into and the white cushy sofas beneath fans to enjoy the great tunes and stunning ocean just beyond. I’d recommend a drink around 1pm, followed by lunch and a beach stay the entire afternoon just in front of the restaurant. Who knows, you may not wish to leave—they have four suites decorated in a contemporary style complete with Phillip Stark fitting and enormous king beds and the same great beach views.
The Lone Star
Mt. Standfast
Barbados
+246 419 0599
Champers Wine Bar & Restaurant
Christ Church
Located on a cliff overlooking Accra beach in the southern portion of the island, Champers is an "oldie but yummy" Bajan restaurant with a lively atmosphere says, my insider Geetika Jain. Owner Cheryl has been serving visitors and locals the different tastes of Bajan cuisine for almost 20 years. Having moved the restaurant to this stunning location in a traditional building and recently investing in new training for her dedicated staff, I like that she continues to invest in improving the experience. The restaurant is also special because it features an art gallery with local artists and I find it is always fun to experience a local culture through its art. Two interesting samples on the menu are the Cajun Mahi Mahi and Parmesan encrusted barracuda, but there is more typical fare like coconut shrimp, grilled tuna and sauteed scallops.
Champers Barbados
Skeete's Hill
Rockley
Christ Church
Barbados
+246 434 3463
The Fish Pot
St. Peter
Of all the restaurants I saw and we tried, this is my Barbadian fave. It's just perfect—in my opinion, exactly what a beach holiday restaurant should be: stylish, fresh, cool ocean breezes right on top of the waves—practically. "The Fish Pot is my special restaurant, it's great for lunch", says insider Soraya, about this remote, oceanfront spot at the charming Little Good Harbor Hotel. "Secluded and aptly named, this restaurant has a comforting ambiance, tastefully decorated with Balinese flair. You can even sit on their daybeds and eat by the sea. Ask for Caesar's rum punch and grilled lobster."
Little Good Harbour Hotel
Shermans
St. Peter
Barbados
+246 439 3000
The Village Bar at Lemon Arbour
St. John
If I had to pick one … this is my off the beaten path choice for really true Bajan food such as pickled sea cat octopus, macaroni pie with fish or chicken and the traditional Saturday lunch of pudding and souse (black pudding and pig parts—not my favorite!). My insider Raphaël Grisoni, Managing Director of the renowned Mount Gay Rum distilleries says that you have to go here … "Even top government ministers come here … You’re in the middle of the island in a true Barbadian atmosphere where you'll forget all about the financial crisis and other problems." Don't go to this super casual spot in a rush as you will likely wait for a table. Best bet—get a local to take you … not only will you find it, you will get an even closer vantage point of the true Bajan experience.
Lemon Arbour
Half a mile west of Four Cross Roads on Highway 3B
St. John
Barbados
Daphne's
You might not associate Barbados with high quality Italian cuisine, but your perception will definitely be changed once you've tried the food at Daphne's. The restaurant offers a variety of homemade pasta and risotto in addition to island-inspired seafood dishes and European fare such as oven roasted duck breast with cannellini beans and parma ham. The lunch options are good, not great—dinner seems to be their forté, say my insiders. With a view of the sea, a cocktail in your glass and fresh pasta twirled around your fork, how do you go wrong?
Daphne's
Paynes Bay
St. James
Barbados
+26 432 2731
Wispers on the Bay
When it comes to the most exclusive outdoor club–like dining in Barbados, everyone's whispering about Wispers on the Bay. There is no children's menu (hint-hint) at this posh, gourmet restaurant located on the shore. The menu includes a range of seafood and other dishes, such as the tenderloin of pork pan–fried in local jerk seasoning. If you're in Barbados often, consider applying for Wispers Membership, which offers priority seating, gym use, and access to lounge and bar areas. Chic, a bit over–priced and worth it.
Wispers on the Bay
Old Bayshore Complex, Bay Street
Bridgetown St. Michael
Barbados
+246 826 5222
L'Acajou
Come here for a romantic tête à tête. L'Acajou is French for mahogany which are the trees that are in abundance in the courtyard of Sandy Lane, right outside of this French inspired restaurant. I will say that here I had one of the best lobster salads ever. Decorated in pinks, mother-of-pearl and mahogany, this outdoor jewel with stunning views of the moonlit ocean is filled in the evening with the sounds of a grand piano. While very lovely, it definitely has a resort feel and although they did not say, I would expect a substantial percentage of the diners each night are hotel guests. Nice one—very grown up.
L'Acajou
Sandy Lane
St. James
Barbados
+246 444 2000
BEWARE
A quick note to warn that while Mullins Restaurant & Bar has a good reputation, it is neither nice looking nor special. Skip it. Opt for one of the above lovely options of all ranges & styles.
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