TnTWalter

We were there in '00 and had dinner at a wonderful Italian restaurant that was next door to a glass blowing shop. We're going again in March and I want to make sure to eat there again if I can find it and Ivan didn't destroy it. Thanks so much.
Trish

TomCayman

Due to the mention of Ivan I can tell you meant in Cayman, although you never said so in the post

The restaurant next door to the glass blowing shop was actually Smugglers Cove, but I think you mean Casanova, which was a few doors down.

Casanova actually moved to a different location before Ivan, but with Hurricane damage the owner took the opportunity to tear it down and rebuild, so there is no Casanova right now, although I am sure they will be back.

However, the same guys own Cafe Med on West Bay Road, so that is an option for you if you loved Casanova.

There are other Italian restaurants in Cayman... both Ragazzi and Papagallo are excellent.

TnTWalter

Sorry I didn't mention Cayman. Duh!

It must have been Casanova. It had art work all over and a large bar area. I bought a vase at the glass store so that's what I remember!

I think we went to Papagallo also but it smelled swampy? I remember that I was seasick from the day long boat trip [conch diving]. But everyone raves about it so maybe I'm confused. We sat in a big screened in room and felt like we were overlooking a swamp....

I hate that I didn't record anything from this trip. Now I have logs of my favorites of all the other Islands I've visited.

Any romantic or quaint restaurants you recommend? I love to find the special restaurants, not the typical tourist'y' ones.

I did lots of research last night and came up with this list of potentials [only there 5 days/4nights]...
Nice -
Eduardo’s
Lighthouse
Calypso Grill [I think we ate here also don't remember if I liked]

Fun/casual -
the reef [barefoot man],
wreck bar,
sunset house,
Rolands Garden

We're staying at the Ritz this time [last time was Westin, loved that]. We go with a group [14 people] but don't all eat together.

Thanks

TomCayman

Yes, it was Casanova.

Papagallo does overlook a pond, but it normally doesn't smell at all swampy, to the contrary the atmosphere is (literally and figuratively) great.

I would definitely put Papagallo near the top of any list.

For nice restaurants, I would also add :
- Calypso Grill
- Grand Old House
- Lighthouse

If you are looking for something out of the ordinary, definitely try Rolands Garden, highly recommended for those of an adventurous nature.

Do rent a car whilst in Cayman. That is a general recommendation, but definitely applies if you choose Lighthouse, Rolands Garden, The Reef etc for dining..

Remember that the Ritz has several restaurants too

TnTWalter

I'm a little afraid of the Ritz...everyone says it's such a monster, we are supposed to be oceanfront not on the waterway so that will be nice. And I am looking forward to the spa. ;o)
Thanks so much for your wonderful advice. I am so looking forward to going back. This was our first trip with the group and out of 7 trips it was everyone's favorite.
Trish

TomCayman

If you like Ritz Carlton hotels, you will love the Ritz in Cayman. It will be a first class place as ever with Ritz Carlton... value for money is of course always the question, as different people put values on different elements of what a resort offers.

TnTWalter

I've actually never been to a Ritz. Another gentlemen with group sets it all up. I will try Papagallo's again [without being seasick this time hopefully] and possibly Calypso Grill [again], Grand Old House & the Lighthouse. I definitely hope to check out Rolands Garden, sounds fun. And, I'd like to check out Rum Point because I've heard it's so nice. Can I trouble you with a couple more questions? [Or anyone else if reading]. Any activities I have to do? We swam with the stingrays on our charter boat trip and that was cool. Any great areas besides Rum Point to hit? Have you eaten yet at the Ritz? I believe it's now open.
Trish