Barbados Restaurants

First-class restaurants and hotel dining rooms serve quite sophisticated cuisine—often prepared by chefs with international experience and rivaling the dishes served in the world's best restaurants. Most menus include seafood: dolphin (mahimahi), kingfish, snapper, and flying fish prepared every way imaginable. Flying fish is so popular that it has become an official national symbol. Shellfish also abounds, as do steak, pork, and local black-belly lamb.

Specialty dishes include buljol (a cold salad of pickled codfish, tomatoes, onions, sweet peppers, and celery) and conkies (cornmeal, coconut, pumpkin, raisins, sweet potatoes, and spices, mixed together, wrapped in a banana leaf, and steamed). Cou-cou, often served with steamed flying fish, is a mixture of cornmeal and okra and usually topped with a spicy creole sauce made from tomatoes, onions, and sweet peppers. Bajan-style pepper pot is a hearty stew of oxtail, beef, and other meats in a rich, spicy gravy, simmered overnight.

For lunch, restaurants often offer a traditional Bajan buffet of fried fish, baked chicken, salads, macaroni pie (macaroni and cheese), and a selection of steamed or stewed provisions (local roots and vegetables). Be cautious with the West Indian condiments—like the sun, they're hotter than you think. Typical Bajan drinks—in addition to Banks Beer and Mount Gay, Cockspur, or Malibu rum—are falernum (a liqueur concocted of rum, sugar, lime juice, and almond essence); mauby (a nonalcoholic drink made by boiling bitter bark and spices, straining the mixture, and sweetening it); and Ponche Kuba, a creamy spiced rum liqueur (Caribbean eggnog) that’s especially popular around the holidays. You're sure to enjoy the fresh fruit or rum punch, as well.

What to Wear: The dress code for dinner in Barbados is conservative, casually elegant, and, occasionally, formal—a jacket and tie for gentlemen and a cocktail dress for ladies in the fanciest restaurants and hotel dining rooms, particularly during the winter holiday season. Jeans, shorts, and T-shirts (either sleeveless or with slogans) are always frowned upon at dinner. Beach attire is appropriate only at the beach.

Sort by: 38 Recommendations {{numTotalPoiResults}} {{ (numTotalPoiResults===1)?'Recommendation':'Recommendations' }} 0 Recommendations
CLEAR ALL Area Search CLEAR ALL
Loading...
  • 1. Champers

    $$$$

    Chiryl Newman's snazzy seaside restaurant is in an old Bajan home just off the main road in Rockley. The cliff-top setting overlooking the eastern end of Accra Beach offers daytime diners—about 75% local businesspeople—a panoramic view of the sea and a relaxing Caribbean atmosphere in the evening. The portions are hearty, and the food is well seasoned with Caribbean flavors—Bajan fried flying fish with caper dressing, West Indian chicken curry, lionfish, or herb-crusted rack of lamb. Dining out with the family? There's a kids' menu, too. Nearly all the artwork gracing the walls is by Barbadian artists and may be purchased through the on-site gallery.

    Skeetes Hill, Rockley, Christ Church, Barbados
    246-434–3463

    Known For

    • Upscale, consistently good Caribbean food
    • Waterfront terrace or air-conditioned dining
    • On-site art gallery

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: No lunch Sat., Reservations essential
  • 2. L'Azure

    $$$$

    Perched on an oceanfront cliff overlooking Crane Beach, L'Azure is an informal breakfast and luncheon spot by day that becomes elegant after dark. Enjoy seafood chowder or a light salad or sandwich while absorbing the breathtaking panoramic view of the beach and sea beyond. At dinner, candlelight and soft guitar music enhance baked snapper or char-grilled kingfish. If you're not in the mood for seafood, try the grilled strip steak, five-spice duck breast, or vegetable tandoori. Sunday is really special, with a gospel brunch at 9 or 10 am and a Bajan buffet lunch at 12:30 pm.

    The Crane Resort, Crane, St. Philip, Barbados
    246-423–6220

    Known For

    • Lovely setting whether day or evening
    • Classy cuisine and service
    • Sunday gospel brunch

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Reservations essential
  • 3. La Cabane

    $$$$

    The chef and his brigade whip up a Mediterranean-inspired, organic, farm to table menu at this relaxed, beachfront spot that's popular with locals and visitors. Mains such as roasted pork or whole fish are paired with seasonal vegetables and delicious hand-cut fries. There's also a tropically spirited and lively bar with weekly live music and intimate events. and pets are welcome, which is a rarity in Barbados. Shoes are optional.

    St. James, Barbados
    246-256–2131

    Known For

    • Delightful beachfront atmosphere
    • Farm to table menu
    • Shoes are optional
  • 4. Lone Star

    $$$$

    At the tiny but chic Lone Star Hotel, a short drive north of Holetown, the finest local ingredients are turned into gastronomic delights. Lunchtime brings tasty salads, sandwiches, and wood-fired pizzas, served in the oceanfront bar; after sunset, the casual daytime atmosphere turns trendy. Start with open wild-mushroom and butternut-squash ravioli or crispy coconut prawns with mango chili sauce, followed by grilled yellowfin tuna with warm crab and potato salad, herb-crusted rack of lamb, saltfish and Scotch bonnet risotto, or dozens of other land, sea, and vegetarian dishes.

    Hwy. 1, Mount Standfast, St. James, Barbados
    246-629–0599

    Known For

    • Lovely setting overlooking the sea
    • Breakfast on the boardwalk
    • Sunset cocktails in the lounge
  • 5. Salt Cafe

    $$$

    If you're in the mood for modern comfort food, this is the place for you. Chef Simon and his team offer a wide selection of Asian-, Southern-, and Caribbean-inspired dishes—from barracuda baos, plantain tostadas, and fried pig ears to delicious desserts such as salted caramel brownie.

    Hastings Main Rd., Hastings, Christ Church, Barbados
    246-537–7258

    Known For

    • Fried pig ears
    • Fresh fish
    • Salted-caramel brownies

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Sun.
  • Recommended Fodor’s Video

  • 6. Sea Shed

    $$$$

    This trendy, bustling restaurant is a favorite west-coast dining spot of local professionals, families, and visitors. Mediterranean and Caribbean flavors enliven inventive thin-crust pizzas and tasty salads; the dinner menu also includes fresh seafood and vegetarian selections. Dine, alfresco, or sit on the beach to eat, accompanied by live jazz music or upbeat house (depending on the night).

    Mullins, St. Peter, Barbados
    246-572–5111

    Known For

    • Lively, bustling atmosphere
    • Casual chic dining on the beach
    • Family-friendly, kids can play on the beach
  • 7. The Tides

    $$$$

    Perhaps the most intriguing feature of this stunning setting—besides the sound of waves crashing onto the shore just feet away—is the row of huge tree trunks growing right through the dining room. The food is equally dramatic as a contemporary twist is given to fresh seafood, fillet of beef, rack of lamb, and other top-of-the-line main courses by adding inspired sauces and delicate vegetables and garnishes. A full vegetarian menu is also available. Save room for the little sticky toffee pudding—definitely worth the calories.

    Hwy. 1, Holetown, St. James, Barbados
    246-432–8356

    Known For

    • Long considered one of the island's best restaurants
    • Vegetarian and children's menus
    • The cozy lounge and on-site art gallery

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Reservations essential
  • 8. The Village Bar at Lemon Arbour

    $

    Commonly known as Lemon Arbour, this is the place to be on a Saturday afternoon, as Bajans from all walks of life descend on this family-run restaurant and bar overlooking the countryside. Try some "pudding and souse"—a local dish combining steamed sweet potato (the pudding) and pickled pork (souse)—it tastes better than it sounds! There are a variety of other dishes available as well, including fried pork, baked chicken, and macaroni pie. Plan a fun afternoon with a group of friends, but if you're on your own, you're likely to be invited to join a table of locals.

    Lemon Arbour, St. John, Barbados
    246-433–3162

    Known For

    • Pudding and souse, and other Bajan dishes
    • Relaxed and lively atmosphere
    • Great people watching (it can get quite lively)

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Sun.
  • 9. Worthing Square Food Garden

    $ | Coffee

    This food-truck park is a great spot to sample a wide variety of dishes for lunch or dinner. Venezuelan arepas, Italian pizzas, Jamaican jerk pork, Trinidadian roti, and Bajan classics are among the many options here. There's live music on Thursday, and sometimes there are other special events as well. Though the area is shaded, it's best to go at night, when the temperature is a bit cooler and the lights add a nice atmosphere.

    Worthing, Christ Church, Barbados
    246-832–6060

    Known For

    • Casual atmosphere
    • Affordable international and Caribbean cuisine
    • Family friendly
  • 10. Apsara Samudra

    $$$$

    This romantic Indian and Thai restaurant has a large outdoor terrace overlooking the ocean. You can dine under the stars, or escape to one of the air-conditioned rooms upstairs. The food and cocktails are delicious, although the portions are small. Head out to The Gap for a drink after dinner.

    Waverely House, St. Thomas, Barbados
    246-420–5454

    Known For

    • Romantic setting overlooking the sea
    • Authentic North Indian and Thai dishes
    • Gluten-free, vegan, and vegetarian options
  • 11. Buzo Osteria Italiana

    $$$$

    Specialties at this lively, modern, air-conditioned restaurant include fresh pasta, thin-crust pizzas, colorful salads, and decadent desserts. Enjoy an aperitif, martini, or their specialty sorrel cocktail at the chic bar. This a favorite spot for lunch, family get-togethers, and date nights.

    Hastings Main Rd., Worthing, Christ Church, BB15156, Barbados
    246-629–2896

    Known For

    • Consistently good service
    • Variety of pizza toppings
    • Extensive wine list
  • 12. Café Luna

    $$$$

    With a sweeping view of pretty Miami (Enterprise) Beach, the alfresco dining deck on top of the Mediterranean-style Little Arches Hotel is spectacular at lunchtime and magical in the moonlight. At dinner, the expertise of executive chef and owner Mark "Moo" de Gruchy is displayed through his classic Bajan fish stew, as well as contemporary and gluten-free "Pan-Tropical" dishes.

    Enterprise Beach Rd., Oistins, Christ Church, Barbados
    246-428–6172

    Known For

    • Romantic cocktails and dining under the stars
    • Mouthwatering dishes
    • Focus on sustainable, locally produced ingredients

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Reservations essential
  • 13. Café Sol

    $$

    Have a hankerin' for Tex-Mex food? Enjoy nachos, tacos, burritos, empanadas, fajitas, and tostadas in this Mexican bar and grill at the western entrance to busy St. Lawrence Gap. Or choose a burger, honey-barbecue chicken, or flame-grilled steak from the Gringo Menu. Helpings of rice and beans, a Corona, and plenty of jalapeño peppers, guacamole, and salsa give everything a Mexican touch. Some people come just for the margaritas—15 fruity varieties rimmed with Bajan sugar instead of salt. With two happy hours every night, this place gets really busy; reservations are accepted only for parties of five or more.

    St. Lawrence Gap, Dover, Christ Church, Barbados
    246-420–7655

    Known For

    • Busy, boisterous, and fun
    • Good service despite the crowded space
    • Good, filling Mexican specialties, plus "gringo" favorites

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: No lunch Mon., Reservations not accepted
  • 14. Castaways

    $$$

    Enjoy the breathtaking views overlooking St. Lawrence Bay—you may see sea turtles bobbing around in the shallow surf during the day—paired with a diverse menu and cocktail list. The reasonably priced menu caters to various diets and restrictions, featuring local dishes with fresh fish, as well as international dishes. Pudding and souse (a local dish) and fried "seacat" (octopus) is served for lunch on Saturday.

    St. Lawrence Gap, Dover, Christ Church, Barbados
    246-420–7587

    Known For

    • Perfect spot for sunset cocktails
    • Early dinner locale before a night out in The Gap
    • Saturday lunch

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: No lunch
  • 15. Fisherman's Pub

    $$

    As local as local gets, this open-air, waterfront beach bar (a former rum shop) is built on stilts a stone's throw from the Speightstown fish market. For years, fishermen and other locals have come here for the inexpensive, authentic Bajan lunch buffet. Soak up the atmosphere and fill your plate with fried flying fish, stewed chicken or pork, curried goat or lamb, pepperpot, macaroni pie, fried plantain, peas and rice, sweet potatoes, cou-cou, and crisp green salad. Eat inside or on the deck. And on Wednesday night, you can also dance—or simply listen—to catchy steel pan or calypso music. (Whether dinner is served varies from season to season, so call ahead.)

    Queen's St., Speightstown, St. Peter, Barbados
    246-422–2703

    Known For

    • Truly local food in a truly local (family-owned) environment
    • Fill up for a few bucks
    • Right on the waterfront

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Sun. Apr.–Oct., Reservations not accepted
  • 16. Just Grillin'

    $$

    Locals and visitors alike gather at this no-frills, fast-casual restaurant for affordable, relatively healthy, and delicious local food. Simple dishes like grilled catch of the day and grilled steak deliver the goods, but the barbecued ribs, jerk chicken, and Caesar salad are excellent. There is a second location in Holetown.

    Quayside Centre, Rockley, Christ Church, Barbados
    246-435–6469

    Known For

    • Affordable meals for the whole family
    • Good portions
    • Another location in Holetown

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Sun.
  • 17. Mimosas Trattoria and Bar

    $$

    Tucked away in the heart of St. Lawrence Gap, this waterfront restaurant is great for families with small children and has indoor and outdoor dining and play areas. The food is casual---think pizza, pasta, vegetarian choices, and of course, mimosas. 

    St. Lawrence Gap, Oistins, Christ Church, Barbados

    Known For

    • The best mimosas around
    • Generous portions
    • Colorful vibes
  • 18. Primo Bar & Bistro

    $$$$

    Renovated in 2020, this sleek, open-plan, Mediterranean bistro offers waterfront dining at its best. Book ahead for a table with a view—and plan to arrive in time for cocktails at sundown, which generally occurs at about 6 pm.

    St. Lawrence Gap, Dover, Christ Church, Barbados
    246-573–7777

    Known For

    • Waterside location
    • Open-air dining
    • Cocktail hours with great sunsets

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Mon.
  • 19. Shaker’s Bar & Grill

    $$

    Locals and visitors alike gather at this no-frills hangout for drinks—perhaps a Banks beer or two, a margarita, a pitcher of sangria, or whatever wets their whistle—and delicious local food. Simple dishes like beer-battered flying fish, grilled catch of the day, barbecued chicken, grilled steak, or a solid cheeseburger deliver the goods, but the barbecued ribs are the main event. All main dishes include crisp green salad, coleslaw, and either grilled or french-fried potatoes. It's a colorful, convivial place, full of laughter and chatter—partly because the tables are so close together and partly because of the rum shop atmosphere. Arrive early or make a reservation if you want an outside table, as it fills up quickly; and be prepared to pay in cash.

    Browne’s Gap, Rockley, Christ Church, Barbados
    246-228–8855

    Known For

    • Finger-lickin’ barbecued ribs
    • Small, busy, convivial “rum shop” on a quiet side street
    • Cash only

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Reservations essential
  • 20. Surfers Cafe

    $ | Coffee

    The food at Surfer's Cafe is hearty, traditional, and Bajan---think homemade Bajan fish cakes, buljol (chopped salted cod, tomatoes, and chilies), or flying fish---with good-sized portions. The decor is rustic and the views are amazing; if you're lucky enough to be seated at the large table outside, you will feel as if you are on board an old-fashioned pirate ship. At night the mood is ambient with live music most evenings. Service can be a little slow and the Wi-Fi patchy but if you're looking for a place to eat and relax, this is the place to go in Oistins.

    Main Rd., Oistins, Christ Church, Barbados
    246-435--5996

    Known For

    • Beachside dining
    • Amazing views and laidback vibe
    • Opens at 8 am for breakfast and food is served until 10 pm

No Restaurants Results

Please try a broader search, or expore these popular suggestions:

There are no results for {{ strDestName}} Restaurants in the searched map area with the above filters. Please try a different area on the map, or broaden your search with these popular suggestions:

Recommended Fodor’s Video