Dining in Barbados

How can any country be this beautiful? Barbados is heavenly, and even though I have visited more than 20 times, I feel the same each time.  Barbados has it all. Gorgeous beaches, great culture, amazing beauty and the thing dearest to my heart fabulous food and restaurants.  Food is an enormously important part of any vacation, and the Bajans do it well.  In fact, I would go so far as to say, Barbados has some of the best and most beautiful oceanside restaurants on the planet. The cuisine is an eclectic mix with influences from around the globe such as spicy Creole, French, Indian, African and British.

Alex dining in Barbados at the Tides Restaurant on the ocean front

We visit some of the best Barbados restaurants as well as some of the best down to earth local hideaways and rum shops during our recent villa inspection trip. On your journey with us, you will get a balance between elegant, upscale dining and local eateries where you can experience fine dining and real Bajan culture and atmosphere. Then there is “in-villa dining” at some of the top villas in Barbados. We hope our guide will help you experience the best food in Barbados and will assist you in having the best culinary experience while you are on the island.

The restaurants in Barbados just keep getting better and better and dining out is one of the best things to do in Barbados.


The Best Restaurants in Barbados

Here are, in no particular order, the restaurants in Barbados that I consider the best.


Treasure Beach

If you are staying in one of the villas on Paynes Bay such as Smugglers, La Mirage Old Trees or Coral Cove Penthouse, I highly recommend lunch at Treasure Beach.  It is located right next door, and the food is amazing.

treasure beach paynes bay restaurant

I had the seared tuna salad, the coconut prawns and the confit of duck tacos.  They are all equally delicious.

I cannot recommend it highly enough.

Treasure Beach, Treasure Beach Hotel, Paynes Bay, West Coast, Tel + 246 419 4200


The Beach House,

Renowned chef, Paul Owens, formerly the Executive Chef at The Cliff Restaurant for over 25 years, has created The Beach House. Along with a wonderful and dedicated team of chefs and in-house staff, this fantastic restaurant has become one of our new favourites.

Boasting a wonderful oceanfront location, this restaurant offers some of the most stunning ocean views which you can enjoy while indulging in the creative and inspired meals you will be served here. The Beach House is quintessentially Caribbean and will provide you and your guests with a unique and superb dining experience.

PAUL OWENS at The Beach House
Sunset Crest, Holetown, Barbados Tel +246 432 1163


Il Tempio

Il Tempio is one of the iconic restaurants in Barbados.  It originally came to fame when Luciano Pavarotti named it the best Italian restaurant on the island of Barbados.  It has a beautiful beachside location in Fitts Village on the west coast. The homemade pasta is to die for, and I can highly recommend it.

Some of my personal favourites are the Capunti Allo Scoglio with shrimp and calamari in a delicious garlic cherry tomato sauce and the Ravioloni Alla Sorrentina which is stuffed with ricotta cheese and asparagus.

  • Il Tempio
  • Fitts Village
  • St James
  • Barbados

Bajan Blue

The Bajan night at the Bajan Blue Restaurant is one of my personal favourites and is a must for every visit to the island.  It takes place every Tuesday and my advice is to book well in advance and ask for one of the ocean side tables.  The food is buffet style, and the choice is incredible.

Alex waves lemons at two unsuspecting musicians at the Bajan Blue restaurant in Barbados

Make sure you arrive very hungry so that you can take advantage of all the amazing choices. The best part of the evening is after the buffet as your dinner is followed by live music with local dancers which is very entertaining.

Alex pauses to pose for a shot while deciding what to select at Bajan Blue buffet

Bajan Blue, Sandy Lane Hotel Restaurant, St James, West Coast.  Tel + 246 444 2000


Coral Reef Club

The Coral Reef Club is one of the oldest and one of the most beautiful hotels on the island of Barbados.

Its architecture is quite West Indian colonial style, but the atmosphere has a lovely refined English feel. The main restaurant is located right on the water, and the head chef whose name is Jance Bannisere leads a team to produce some of the best food in Barbados.

 

The menu is interesting and imaginative. My favourite dish was the pan-fried fillet of local snapper with spinach and plantain.  The Snapper was so fresh I wouldn’t be surprised if it was caught that morning.

Many of the locals I spoke to also mentioned the Sunday Brunch buffet saying it was amazing.  I have yet to try it and will do so on my next trip.


The Tides Restaurant

The Tides is a personal favourite.  It has one of the best locations right on the water’s edge in the centre of Holetown.  I love to go for a pre-dinner drink as they have a fabulous air-conditioned bar full of bright and colourful local art which is for sale.  This lovely Barbados Restaurant was completely refurbished a few years ago and has now a gorgeous relaxed contemporary feel.

Oceanside dining in Barbados at the Tides restaurant

We had the Tides Seafood Tower for 2 people.  It was a feast of poached lobster, King Crab, mussels, smoked salmon, jumbo shrimp and oysters served with a trio of delicious dips the best of which was the spicy bloody Mary sauce.  For the main course, the seared yellowfin tuna was delicious.

The Tides Restaurant, Balmore House, Holetown, St James, West Coast Tel + 246 432 8356


The Local

The Local is an up and comer that is generating a lot of buzz on the island. Primarily offering farm to table, and healthy food options, this restaurant uses locally sourced ingredients to create delicious meals. Housed in an 1800s Speightstown warehouse, and sitting on one of the most beautiful beaches on the island, you could not ask for a more authentic dining experience.

The Local’s rum bar also offers the best of the best when it comes to rum and cocktails. But, if you wish for a more chilled and relaxed option, you can also enjoy a coffee and some of their delicious baked goods.

Queen St., Speightstown, Barbados Tel +1 246-421-3276


Buzo

Some say Buzo is one of the best restaurants on the island. Buzo brings the essence and flavours of Italian cuisine to Barbados and allows you and your guests to enjoy creatively cooked meals all cooked with the finest ingredients.

You can tell just from looking at the food, that it was cooked with passion and appreciation for Italian cuisine. You can enjoy honest, wholesome food with a carefully chosen wine selection, perfectly complimenting your meal. Offering exceptional service and attention to detail, you are guaranteed a wonderful night at Buzo.

The Pavillion, BB15156 Hastings, Bridgetown, Barbados Tel +1 246-629-2896


Sea Shed

Sea Shed is one of the island’s newest beachfront restaurants located on the fringes of Mullins Beach in St Peters. It is one of the most happening restaurants in Barbados, boasting a fantastic buzzing atmosphere and wonderful food.

The views of the Caribbean Ocean and powered white sands from here are simply breathtaking. Open 7 days a week, this tropical eatery opens at 10 am and the lunch menu starts from 11. Guest have the choice of eating on the upper deck or stepping onto the beach where seating and sun loungers are plentiful.

At night time the restaurant is lit up with gas lanterns which make for a very romantic setting. There is also a Sunset Cocktail area where you can spend an evening sipping on delicious drinks and enjoying the spectacular views.

My favourite dishes were the local line-caught Mahi Mahi, blackened with seasonal vegetables and the medley of Chargrilled Octopus, Prawns, Mussels, Clams, Pickled Anchovies, Lemon Oil, Cherry Tomato and Arugula…Yum!

Being such a popular restaurant, it is recommended to have a reservation, especially at the weekend as it is extremely busy.

The Sea Shed, Mullins Beach, Saint Peters, West Coast, Barbados Tel + 246 572-5111


Cariba

Cariba has been a popular restaurant in Barbados for many years, but this was my first time visiting on a recommendation from Tony, one of our drivers. He told us the food was the tastiest on the island which was enough for us to make a booking.

The Exterior and sign at Cariba one of the best restaurants in Barbados

The head chef Glen Bent worked at the Sandy Lane Hotel before which is a pretty good training ground. The food is a blend of local Caribbean flavours with an Asian twist.

I had the Panko Crusted Crab Cakes and the Five Spice Chicken, and they were both delicious.

Cariba, 1 St Clarkes Gap, Derricks, St James, West Coast, Barbados Tel + 246 432 8737


Cala Roca

Serving a variety of delicious dishes and offering an international menu, this incredible new restaurant provides innovation in their food, with a hint of Spanish flavours. Cala Roca boasts a wonderful dining experience, as well as magnificent views of the West Coast of Barbados.

As well as offering exceptionally tasting food, Cala Roca is also renowned for its cocktails and drinks selection. The in-house mixologists will cater to any flavour or preference you desire, while also creating a drink to compliment your meal. Enjoy elegant music, exquisite service and wonderful views at Cala Roca.

Prospect Road, Prospect, Barbados Tel +1 246 538 3036


Champers Restaurant

Champers has a stunning waterside setting whether you decide on lunch with panoramic sea views or dinner at night-time when it’s majestically lit up. A waterside table is a real treat & you almost feel as though you’re onboard a ship!

There’s a great ambience, and the food is really delicious & beautifully presented. There’s a lovely area with couches to enjoy a pre-dinner cocktail & the beautiful sunsets.

Champers Restaurant, Skeetes Hill, Christ Church, South Coast, Barbados Tel + 246 434 3463


Quattro Passi at The Cliff

This sensational restaurant is now under new ownership and has been completely renovated. Due to open in December 2021, Quatropass will be super modern with a large indoor air-conditioned section, as well as the original terrace overlooking the Cliff. Quattro Passi will be ideal for large family gatherings or parties as they have a large function area.

Not only is Quattro Passi at The Cliff the best restaurant in Barbados, but it is also my favourite in the world and is featured in my Essential Barbados Travel Guide.  The second you step through the doors, you will know you have arrived somewhere special.

The use of huge flaming torches enhances the atmosphere.  The sea is beautifully illuminated, and the lights attract huge tarpons that swim elegantly in front of you as you are eating the most exquisite food.  I had the open ravioli of Shrimp with pesto sauce and aged Parmesan followed by mahi-mahi with Mushroom Duxelle, spinach and a Parmesan sauce.  Both were delicious and as gorgeous as the view.

Dining at the Cliff

Quattro Passi at The Cliff is not a cheap night out, but if you want to have a special experience while dining in Barbados, then the Cliff never disappoints.  If you love the Cliff and want to stay close by the beautiful Sandycove Penthouse is right next door!

The Cliff, Derricks, St James, West Coast Tel + 236 233 5869


Fusion Rooftop

No restaurant in Barbados does a welcome as well as at the Fusion Rooftop Restaurant.  The restaurant is located at the top of the Limegrove Shopping centre in Holetown and not an obvious place to find one of Barbados’s best restaurants.   The second the lift doors opened, we were welcomed by the beautiful smiling host.  The interior is super cool and very chic and Feng Shui.  You could be in London, New York or Miami with one big exception; the gorgeous tropical warmth that envelops you as you are eating delicious food.  The cuisine is mainly Asian with a hint of Caribbean flavour!

fusion roof top lime grove

We had the crab and shrimp sushi rolls, the Piri Piri shrimp which was served with an avocado mouse and spicy pickled radishes. The main course was the catch of the day which was with cassava tempura and toasted spices.  For dessert, we had something I can never resist when it is on a menu, the chocolate fondant.  Each course was truly delicious and served by lovely smiling people!

Fusion is where you will find some of the best food in Barbados, and I can highly recommend it.

Fusion Rooftop, Limegrove Lifestyle Centre, Holetown, St James, West Coast, Tel + 346 271 1258


La Cabane

La Cabane in Batts Rock is a new and very trendy addition to the Barbados lunch scene.  It has great south of France vibe, so it didn’t surprise me one bit when the owner said he is originally from St Tropez. The restaurant is relaxed and a popular local hang out.  In fact, I think we were the only non-locals there.

la cabane restaurant barbadoa

We had the half chicken, a lovely salad and French fries all washed down with a local rum punch! If you’re interested in the rum punch check out my guide to Barbados rum shacks

Make sure you bring your towel, so you can go for a lovely swim on Batts Rock beach which is just gorgeous. No need to wear shoes!

If you miss lunch, head down for sunset drinks.  It is one of the best spots on the island to enjoy a gorgeous Barbados sunset.

La Cabane, Batts Rock, St James, West Coast Tel + 246 256 2131


Lone Star Restaurant

This is a restaurant I recommend you visit for lunch and dinner if you possibly can.  The views during the day are simply breathtaking, and the beach at Lone Star is gorgeous so bring your towel.  At nighttime, the ambience is extremely romantic with lots of candlelight and the sounds of the sea lapping a couple of meters away from your feet.

The food is an interesting combination of English and Caribbean. This is where you will find some of the best food in Barbados.

 

I recommend you go early to enjoy the lovely Lone Star bar area.  An ice-cold glass of champagne or a gin and tonic seems to always taste better in the tropical heat.  Some of my favourite dishes from the menu are the Shredded Aromatic Duck, the prawn Thai Green Curry and the Crispy Coconut Prawns.

Lone Star Restaurant, Mount Standfast, St James, West Coast Tel +236 629 0599


Lemongrass Noodle Bar and Grill

Lemongrass is a great spot if you are looking for something casual and delicious in a relaxed environment.  It is one of my personal favourite lunch spots.  It is great to combine with a little bit of retail shopping in the beautiful Lime Grove Shopping centre.

A table full of delicious sushi awaits at Lemongrass

As the name might suggest, the food is of Asian origin, and the kitchen team are all trained by authentic Thai Chefs.  I had the Bai Gai Grapow which is a spicy mixture of seafood including shrimp, mahi-mahi, scallops, and lots of fresh vegetables.

Our island colleagues had the Phad Thai and the warm chicken and Mandarin salad which all looked delicious.

Lemongrass Noodle Bar and Grill, Limegrove Lifestyle Centre, Holetown, St James, West Coast Tel + 246 271 8265


Lobster Alive

Every lobster lover should visit Lobster Alive at least once while in Barbados. Most of the lobsters are no longer caught locally but in the nearby Grenadines. They are flown in by a private aircraft to the huge lobster tank in the restaurant from where you can choose your lunch!   The tank is quite a sight during the high season as there can be between 2000 and 3000 pounds of lobster in it.  The restaurant is very relaxed with tables in the sand located on the best beach in Bridgetown.

The euphemistically and inaccurately named lobster alive is a great place to visit. Unless you are a lobster.

I like to visit at lunchtime, but if you love jazz, they have a resident jazz artist called Stu Jenkins in the evenings.  If you don’t feel like driving, it is possible to take a water taxi from many of the hotels and larger villas.

Lobster Alive, Wesley House, Bay Street, Bridgetown, St Michael Tel _ 246 435 0305



QP Bistro

QP Bistro is the sister and slightly more casual and upbeat version of the famous Quattro Passi at The Cliff.  Located directly next door, QP Bistro is perfect for a relaxing lunch or a laid-back dinner.

The hot fish soup was excellent, and the roasted scallops with a herb crust were also delicious.

QP Bistro, Derricks, St James, West Coast, Tel + 246 432 0797


Just Grillin

If you want a quick, very reasonable and still delicious lunch, then Just Grillin is the place.   It is extremely casual and located right next door to the chattel shops in Holetown.  I especially love the Jerk chicken, but all their wraps are delicious too.  All mains come with 2 sides such as coleslaw, baked potatoes and Caesar salad.

If you are staying in one of the Barbados Villas, then it is a good option to collect your food and enjoy in the comforts of your own home, especially if you are like me and don’t like to cook whilst on vacation!

Just Grillin, Holetown, St James, West Coast + 246 432 5410 and Rockley, South Coast Tel + 246 435 6469


The Atlantis

Located on the beautiful East Coast, The Atlantis is one of the best Barbados Restaurants to stop and have lunch if you are doing a tour of the beautiful island. The Atlantis has a strong local following and serves very traditional Bajan Cuisine. The food is great, but the location and the view are the best bit.

The restaurant is perched overlooking beautiful Tent Bay and is close to Bathsheba Park.

The Atlantis, The Atlantis Hotel, Tent Bay, St Joseph, Tel + 236 433 9445


The Fish Pot

The Fish Pot is without a doubt one of the best restaurants in Barbados.  It has a lovely waterside setting just north of Speightstown.

The restaurant was originally a 17th-century fort and is part of the Little Good Harbour Hotel. The atmosphere is very relaxed and uncomplicated.

Alex and David at the Fish Pot

The Fish Pot is a great option for both lunch and dinner and is one of the best value oceanfront restaurants in Barbados. The Grilled Tandoori Chicken Taco and the Ahi Tuna Poke were both delicious.

The Fish Pot, Little Good Harbour, Shermans, St Lucy, + 246 439 2604


Nishi Restaurant

One might not expect to find a really good Japanese/Asian restaurant in the middle of Holetown, but Nishi offers just that.  This is one of the best Barbados Restaurants to eat really great Sushi, but there are also some Caribbean and Bajan influenced dishes on the menu

We had the Spicy Tuna Maki and the Soft-Shell Crab.  There is a lovely bar, and most weekend nights Nishi has live music which really adds to the atmosphere.

If you feel like partying Bajan Style after dinner a visit to 1627 bar which is located on First Street is a must.  It is just one minutes’ walk away, and if you are lucky, you will get to see some rockin up and touching back dancing which is authentic sexy Bajan dancing.  I’ll let you use your imagination for that one.

Nishi Restaurant, 2nd Street, Holetown, St James, West Coast, Tel + 246 432 2112


L’Acajou

L’Acajou is the fine dining restaurant of the famous Sandy Lane Hotel.  If you fancy a very special night out, then this is a great option.  It is extremely romantic with slightly elevated views of the ocean and offers a balance between modern, classical and contemporary cuisine.

L'Acajou restaurant at the Sandy Lane Hotel

The Miso Marinated Atlantic Black Cod with green asparagus and a truffle vinaigrette is delicious.  If you like Duck, then the Crispy Leg Confit is delicious.


Salt Cafe

From magnificent truffle fries to delicious desserts, the Salt Cafe is a haven for all foodies. Taking inspiration from a wide range of international cuisines, there is something for everyone to enjoy here.

You are guaranteed to return here time and time again, especially after an exceptional signature cocktail. The Salt Cafe prides itself in its ‘hand-crafted comfort food’ while also boasting a casual and cosy atmosphere.

Hastings Main Road, Christ Church Tel +246 537-7258


Orange Street Grocer

Tucked in at the Northern end of Speightstown, you’ll find the charming Orange Street Grocer – a casual eatery serving wholesome salads and wonderful wood fired pizza. A great choice for a casual lunch, with a great location and wonderful views.

The Orange Street Grocer, Orange Street, Speightstown, St. Peter. Tel. +1 (246) 419-0838


Baia

Situated on the famed West Coast of Barbados, a beautiful beach front restaurant. Baia takes inspiration from the diverse culture and deep gastronomical heritage of Latin America and brings to the Caribbean mouthwatering Peruvian-fusion food, exceptional cocktails and live entertainment in a laid back, rustic luxurious setting.

Sand Street, Speighstown, Barbados. Tel. +1 246 432 2242


Zaccios

Very casual, ocean-front dining, Zaccios is located on a lovely beach and offers a delicious varied menu including vegetarian dishes, seafood, fish, pizza and pastas. Have lunch on the boardwalk or enjoy a cool drink at the bar. Popular with locals and visitors, it is a busy venue with a relaxed, but vibrant atmosphere.

Zaccios Restaurant, Holetown, St. James. Tel. 1(246) 432-0134


Horny Ram

Another new restaurant on the Barbados dining scene, this is a ?Gastro Pub? style restaurant featuring an amazing menu, comprised largely of meat dishes. They do amazing steaks and burgers, and a variety of lovely fish dishes too.

Horny Ram, Highway 1, Holetown, Barbados. Tel. +1 246-232-9180


Tapas

This is a casual, trendy restaurant, wonderfully positioned on the boardwalk at Hastings. The menu has a wide variety of tapas dishes, as well as an à la carte section. This is a firm favorite with locals and visitors alike.

Tapas, Highway 7, Bridgetown, Barbados. Tel. +1 246-228-0704


Cafe Luna

Cafe Luna is located on the roof-top of the pretty ‘Little Arches Hotel’ and is an award-winning restaurant with a Mediterranean feel. It has a romantic setting with breath-taking views over Oistin’s Bay. The menu is comprised of fresh, local ingredients, and the emphasis is very much on ‘farm to table’.

Cafe Luna Barbados, Enterprise Beach Road, Oistins, Barbados. Tel.  +1 (246) 428-6172


The Round House

A visit to historic Bathsheba, on the rugged East coast is a great way to explore the diverse island of Barbados. Located on a unique hill-top setting, you will find the quaint ‘Round House’ offering panoramic views. The simple menu features Caribbean cuisine using locally sourced ingredients for fresh salads, sandwiches and other local favorites.

Round House, Bathsheba, Barbados. Tel. +1 246-433-9678


Eco Lifestyle & Lodge Restaurant

This small, cozy boutique hotel in Tent Bay is a real gem and features an amazing restaurant within. A must for those who enjoy a healthy and wholesome diet. The innovative menu features primarily plant based and organic, farm and sea-to-table creations that will delight your taste buds.

ECO Lifestyle & Lodge, Bathsheba, Barbados. Tel. +1 246-433-9450


L’Azure at the Crane

Located at the Crane Resort in St Philip, is the elegant L’Azure restaurant, serving deliciously prepared seafood in a relaxed atmosphere. Spectacular views.

The Crane Resort, St. Philip. Tel. 246.423.6220


Dining In Barbados

Dining in Barbados is hard to beat.  Barbados restaurants and especially those that are oceanfront are among the best in the world.  The Cliff Restaurant is my personal favourite, but there are so many incredible restaurants to choose from.  Our complimentary concierge department will be delighted to assist you in making bookings so that you can enjoy some of the island’s treasures.

We love to hear from you, so please do let us know if we have missed any of your favourite Barbados restaurants so that we can include them next time.

About Alexandra Baradi

Alexandra Baradi is the founder and owner of Exceptional Villas. She started the company 1992. Alex is a hotel manager by background and has travelled around the world in search of the best villas.

Her personal passion for travel and her entrepreneurial flair for making guest feel very special from the moment they enquire to the moment they arrive home, has enabled Exceptional Villas to become the world’s leader in luxury villas.

She believes anything is possible when you travel with Exceptional Villas and ensures you will be pampered every step of the way.

Alexandra and her team all have one thing in common; to provide their guests with an unmatched holiday experience and to go beyond expectations.

Each of the team members specialise in just one destination rather than in multiple destinations allowing them to become total experts in their fields.

Both Alexandra and her team spend much of their time travelling to all the destinations inspecting new villas and re-inspecting already featured villas.

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