Places To Eat in Barbados

The Cliff

You're in a movie. You're schmoozing with celebs. You've passed over into a fantasy world of tiki torches and total luxury. Welcome to The Cliff, probably Barbados' most famous fabulous and fiendishly expensive restaurant. But what the heck – we only come this way once, and you'll always remember the idyllic setting, amazing food and superb service.

Booking ahead is essential, and if you love spotting famous people, come early and settle in for an eyeful of opulent entertainment.

Derricks, St James
+1 246 432 1922 · The Cliff Barbados

The Tides

The artfully scripted restaurant sign suggests artistic, original and elegant food – and if you like seafood with a creative Asian influence, then you'll love this heavenly Holetown venue.

The waterfront setting is a joy - though you may have to book ahead if you want the best view - plus you could pick up some neat local art at the bar, which also operates as a funky free-form gallery. 

Balmore House, Holetown, St James
+1 246 432 8356 · The Tides

Daphne's

If you're familiar with the celebrated Daphne's restaurant in London, you'll know what to expect at its Bajan sister restaurant right behind Paynes Bay Beach.

Upscale, exquisite and effortlessly elegant, Daphne's is, however, extremely easy-going and relaxed, which makes it particularly popular amongst the cognoscenti of island dining. Make an evening of it and have a couple of superbly mixed cocktails at the bar before you tackle their innovative, inspired cooking – but book ahead first.

Paynes Bay, St James
+1 246 432 2731 · Daphne's

Cutters

For a change, why not get your teeth into a local sandwich? This combined café and deli is a real find – and it's close to Crane Beach, which makes it the perfect stop-off after swimming and soaking up the sun.

Order a made-to-measure cutter (local lingo for a sandwich) washed down with mauby, which is a local drink (though there are different versions throughout the Caribbean) made from the bark of a tree.

Crane Beach, St Philip
+1 246 423 0611 · Cutters

Champers

If you're staying on the south coast or visiting the area, Champers is a great venue right by the ocean. This close to the salty briny, you can be sure that fish will be on the menu, and expect handsome portions of whatever you order.

Check out the art gallery upstairs as well, for some fine examples of local work that's better than the usual tourist offerings.

Skeetes Hill, Christ Church
+1 246 434 3463 · Champers

Surfer's Café

An everyman venue which is open all day and evening, it's a coffee bar for the locals in the morning, a lunch stop for the beach crowd, and an evening bar and dining venue for those who love relaxed good times in great company.

Effortlessly groovy, and ideally located in the coastal village of Oistins, it offers freshly cooked fish from the local market and serves up equally good live music.

Maxwell Road, Oistins
+1 246 420 9283 · Surfer's Cafe

Brown Sugar

With a name like 'Brown Sugar', you pretty well know that this place is going to be a relaxed and easy-going eatery (though you are encouraged to dress well) – plus it's one of the most outstanding places on the island to experience local cooking at its best, especially cou-cou, pepperpot stew, the gorgeously indulgent macaroni pie - and one of the best deserts in the Caribbean: bread pudding with a rum sauce that has a kick like a slow mule with a perfect aim.

Aquatic Gap, Bay Street, St. Michael
+1 246 426 7684 · Brown Sugar

Tapas

If you want to browse a whole range of locally themed small dishes – and if you fancy rubbing shoulders with knowledgeable foodie locals – this should be your south coast venue of choice. Right on the boardwalk, and brilliantly combining Bajan food with world influences, you could happily spend hours snacking to your heart's (and stomach's!) delight.

Hastings Main Road, Hastings, Christ Church
+1 246 228 0704 · Tapas

The Cove

This is a home-based eatery, so expect to dine in comfortable, welcoming domestic surroundings where you'll feel as if you were especially invited to eat with the good folks who live and work here. Lots of locally themed dishes are on offer, many with a delightfully unexpected dash of inspiration from other types of non-island cuisine.

Do book ahead - and try the fabulous Sunday buffet if you get the chance.

Atlantic Park, Cattlewash, St Joseph
+1 246 433 9495

Cin Cin by the Sea

Hip and happening, foodie in style, yet locally inspired, the cuisine here is superb, with effortless combinations of world-themed and local dishes. The venue is excellent as well, with a choice of cool air-conditioned indoor dining or on outside terrace overlooking the ocean.

Cin Cin has been open five years now, and has established an excellent reputation – and you can get tasty nibbles and light bites as well as full-on meals.