6 Best Restaurants in Anguilla

Creative cuisine, an upscale atmosphere, attentive service, and an excellent wine cellar please the star-studded crowd at Blanchards, one of the best restaurants in the Caribbean. Ever changing but always good, the contemporary menu, with items such as the warm Brussels sprout Caesar and the sesame-crusted sea bass, wins over even the most sophisticated palates. Proprietors Bob and Melinda Blanchard moved to Anguilla from Vermont in 1994 to fulfill their culinary dreams. A festive atmosphere pervades the handsome, airy white room, accented with teal-blue, floor-to-ceiling shutters to let in the breezes, and colorful artwork by the Blanchards' son Jesse. No matter what, do save room for dessert---even though choosing will not be easy.

The romantic open-air setting of Celeste by Kerth Gumbs on a promontory overlooking Meads Bay sets the stage for a memorable meal. The menu is created by famed local chef Kerth Gumbs, who has made quite a name for himself in London, including appearing on Young MasterChef and Great British Menu. Back on his home island, he cooks up creative dishes with international flare, using as many local ingredients as possible. At breakfast, there's an extensive selection including salmon eggs Benedict. Dinners include whole fish, beef tenderloin, lamb chops, and scallops, among many others. Keep this restaurant in mind for a special occasion---it absolutely will not disappoint.

A charming owner, a gorgeous oceanfront location, sophisticated and original food, and friendly service are why this stylish restaurant on the beautiful Meads Bay has been in business since the mid-1990s. Whether for breakfast, lunch, late afternoon snack, or dinner, you will find appealing, tasty, and fresh choices to mix up or share. Try the lobster johnnycake Benedict for breakfast, the big-eye-tuna flatbread carpaccio for lunch, and the curried goat for dinner. Fish of the day is truly caught that day, and vegetarians and kids find many options, too. The coconut curry cauliflower comes highly recommended. The view of the stunning beach just a few feet away makes it difficult to leave this restaurant after your meal. The good news is that you don' t have to. Take a lounge chair and umbrella and stay for drinks, where the friendly beach service makes sure you won't have to lift a finger. 

On the suavely minimalist four-sided verandah, stylishly appointed tables glow with flickering candlelight from sea urchin–shape porcelain votive holders. Chic patrons mingle and sip mojitos to the purr of soft jazz in a lively lounge. Co-owner Carrie Bogar's "cuisine of the sun" features ingenious preparations, first-rate provisions, and ample portions that are shareable works of art. Sample Moroccan-spiced shrimp "cigars" with roast tomato–apricot chutney or Indian spiced yellow pea soup. Jerk-spiced tuna is served with poached pineapple, plantain chips and red pepper, and butter-poached lobster is divine, as is warm chocolate cake with toasted almond ice cream. Consider splurging on the exquisite five-course tasting menu. For a relaxing casual evening, head downstairs to Meze at Veya to lounge in an open-air Moroccan tent while you share small tapas-style Mediterranean plates. There's live music nightly and Omari Banks, one of the island's best musicians, plays on Monday and Friday.

Part of the neighboring Malliouhana Resort, this trendy beach shack has a local, laid-back atmosphere. Have lunch on the colorful benches or sit in comfortable lounge chaises under bright umbrellas while you enjoy Thai-inspired island cuisine. From lobster pizza to shrimp pad Thai, there are no misses on this menu. On the weekend, dance under the stars with your toes in the sand to music by local bands, and witness the spectacular sunsets on Meads Bay. 

Tasty and shareable small plates, a friendly beach vibe, and gorgeous sunsets are on offer here, as are cool music, gentle prices, and potent tropical cocktails. The menu changes seasonally, but it always features tapas brought to a new level, usually traditional foods prepared in unconventional ways. Favorites include arugula and watermelon salad, mahimahi in a spicy garlic tomato sauce, pulled-pork sliders, and tuna poke with crispy wontons. Try the banana rum. This is different and highly satisfying fare.