4 Best Restaurants in George Town, Cayman Islands

This classic clapboard seaside shanty couldn't be homier: constructed from an old fishing vessel, the structure is an authentic representation of original Caymanian architecture. The deck is perfectly placed to savor the breezes and water views, and the chill Caribbean vibe makes it feel as if you're having the freshest seafood at a friend's home. The owners source fresh, local ingredients wherever possible and have developed relationships with Caymanian fishermen, who often cruise up to the dock with their catch. Savor jerk fish tacos, saltfish fritters, coconut shrimp with pineapple-tomato salsa, and golden crunchy breadfruit fries. Landlubber selections run from pork chops with pineapple butter to baby back ribs braised in Jack Daniels. Free Wi-Fi and occasional DJs are bonuses.

The nondescript building belies the lovely marine-motif decor and luscious seafood at this second-story restaurant overlooking the harbor. Enjoy lobster prepared several ways (all à la sticker shock) along with reasonably priced wine, which you can sample by the glass in the cozy bar. The two musts are the Cayman Trio (lobster tail, grilled mahimahi, and garlic shrimp) and the Pot (lobster, giant prawns, and crab). The wildly popular Friday lunch special is the decadent CI$19 lobster burger, a hefty heifer topped with a perfectly cooked 3-ounce lobster tail, bacon, cheddar, shrimp, jalapeño, and onion rings (add the day's special wine for CI$9/bottle). The kitchen happily provides reduced-oil and -fat alternatives to most dishes; vegetarians love the flavorful chili-lime polenta with grilled artichoke in mango cream and the tofu, zucchini, and yellow-squash spaghetti. The balcony offers a breathtaking view of the sunset tarpon feeding.

The location of this waterside eatery is a series of elevated decks and Victorian-style gazebos in blue and white hugging the sea. Its enviable location helps to explain its enduring appeal (wedding parties have their own pavilion, but celebrations of all sorts can overrun the place, including Salsa Tuesdays, with lessons). The Ports of Call bar is a splendid place for sunset fanciers, and tarpon feeding off the deck is a twice-nightly (7 and 9 pm) spectacle. Save room for dessert: perhaps the Cayman lime pie or toffee banana.