Fine dining in Barbados encompasses everything from gourmet ocean front restaurants and majestic great houses to authentic island "eateries" and festive downtown bistros. Enjoy a melange of signature influences, diverse menus and island ambience—with meals accompanied by healthy portions of jazz, calypso, ringbang and steel drums.
Whether you crave traditional Bajan fare or inventive cuisine, you'll find it at one of the island’s many restaurants, each surveyed and rated by Zagat. Since 1979, this esteemed dining guide has been rating restaurants worldwide, based on the unbiased reviews of locals and visitors who contribute opinions on everything from food and service to decor and cost. The Zagat Survey counts Barbados among its roster of notable destinations-making it the first and only Caribbean island with its own Zagat Survey guide.
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Please note: Zagat Survey® average costs are listed in Barbadian currency
and the current exchange rate is approximately BDS$2 : US$1.
Most Popular Restaurants
Champers Wine Bar & Restaurant Rockley Christ Church, Barbados 434-3463
26
26
25
$127
"Words cannot describe the joy" of dining at this Christ Church Caribbean "sophisticate" gush admirers (and "not just tourists") who've voted it Barbados' Most Popular culinary experience – but here's an attempt: it boasts "all you could want in a restaurant", starting with an "unforgettable" "oceanfront terrace" setting where "friendly" servers who are "there when you need them" convey "truly mouth-watering" seafood-centric cuisine; what's more, the "generous" portions equal "great value for money" – and "what could be better" than that?
"Sophisticates" "keep going back to" this "pricey" "chef-owned" Holetowner because there's "never an off day" here: the "imaginative" "Caribbean fusion" seafood is "consistently excellent" and "beautifully presented" by "doting staff" that are the "epitome of professionalism"; visual "pleasures" come not only from the "stunning" "beachside setting", but via "turquoise-and-blue decor" that "brings the ocean into the dining room" and a "classy" "art and jewelry display."
"You'll feel like you're in heaven" when you snag "a table by the rail" (book "well in advance") at this "truly special" St. James "stalwart", an "ultraromantic" "torch-lit" "cliffside balcony" "overlooking crashing waves" that wins Barbados' top score for Decor; it also has "food and service to match", with "exquisite", "inventive" Eclectic fare presented in "gravity-defying" arrangements by staff that treat guests "like royalty" – so just "forget about the money" and "settle in for the experience of your life."
Restaurant at Southsea, The St. Lawrence Gap Christ Church, Barbados 420-7423
26
26
27
$181
"Unmatchable", "royalty"-worthy service – from the "warm, old-fashioned Bajan welcome" to the "insightful wine suggestions" – earns Barbados' No. 1 Service rating for this "brilliant" Eclectic "at water's edge" in St. Lawrence Gap; the "gourmet" eats (some of "the most expensive" on the island) are "superb" too, as are the "dark" "mood" lighting, "outstanding views" and "soothing piano."
Zen Crane Resorts & Residence St. Philip, Barbados 423-6220
27
27
23
$125
It's "worth the drive" to this St. Philip "beauty", rated Barbados' No. 1 for Food thanks to an "amazing range" of "simply awesome" (and "pricey") Japanese-Thai cuisine, including "the best sushi" crafted by "entertaining chefs" at an open bar; not resting on the laurels of its "stupendous" cliff-top view of "famous Crane Beach", it's done up in "brilliant", "authentic decor", and if a number of respondents express displeasure at "iffy" staff (maybe the "kimonos" are "slowing" them down), habitués report "improvements in service."
Pisces St. Lawrence Gap Christ Church, Barbados 435-6564
24
23
23
$116
Edible "artwork" that tastes as "fantastic" as it looks is whisked to table by "unobtrusive", virtually "ninjalike" staff at this "gigantic" seafooder "on Restaurant Row in St. Lawrence Gap" revered for its "wonderful menu using the best local fish" and offered at "what can be considered reasonable prices for Barbados"; the "fab-o experience" comes complete with "tropical decor" and "spectacular waterside" seating.
L'Azure Restaurant Crane Resorts & Residence St. Philip, Barbados 423-6220
24
25
22
$103
"Heaven on earth" is how the faithful praise the "incredible Sunday gospel brunch" laid out at this "first-class" hotel dining venue "on a cliff" in St. Philip; but "inspiration" can be found any day of the week in the "fabulous Caribbean" seafood "with a fancy twist", "efficient staff" and "simply breathtaking" "views of gorgeous Crane Beach", "especially on a moonlit night" (so what if it's "a little spendy").
Café Luna Restaurant Enterprise Coast Rd. Christ Church, Barbados 420-4689
25
26
24
$117
"Magic" awaits on this "intimate" rooftop "in a secluded corner of Christ Church", where a "special", "romantic" Eclectic-Med dinner can be savoured whilst "looking up at the moon reflecting off the waters" of Oistins Bay (breakfast and lunch are offered in-season only); the "gourmet" creations by "sexy chef" Mark 'Moo' deGruchy are "expensive", but do "not disappoint" – in fact, they're "brilliant", just like "superior" staff; P.S. "if you're a fan of sushi, you have to visit" Thursday or Friday night.
Lone Star Restaurant & Hotel Mt. Standfast St. James, Barbados 419-0599
22
23
20
$158
"Well-dressed" "grown-ups" and a steady stream of "celebs" ("met Simon from American Idol") revel in the "fantastic seafront" scene and always "expensive", sometimes "surprising menu" of Eclectic-Med dishes – starring "great steaks", "wonderful fish" and "great puds" – at this "hyped" St. James eatery; unfortunately, staffers can be "inconsistent" ("so attentive" vs. "surly" – perhaps because they "prefer not to be wearing the mechanic's overalls" that match the erstwhile-garage setting).
Josef's St. Lawrence Gap Christ Church, Barbados 435-8245
25
26
22
$136
"Request a table by the ocean and watch the stingrays swim past" – you may "never want to leave" this "breathtaking", "romantic" outdoor "nighttimer" offering two "brilliant" menus, one with "inventive", "tasty" Eclectic eats and the other with "unique, delicious sushi combinations" (they're both "expensive", but the prices "aren't bad for the caliber"); the location is "well isolated from the noise of St. Lawrence Gap", and while service can be "slow", "hey, it's not like you'll be in a hurry."
Bajan Blue Restaurant Sandy Ln. St. James, Barbados 444-2000
24
24
25
$158
"If you love opulence" and "superb service", this beachside patio – "the more relaxed of the two" restaurants at St. James' "ultraluxe" Sandy Lane – "is the place"; the all-day Carib-Med à la carte menus (excepting some evening and all Sunday brunches, which are buffets) are "incredible" – just "never mind" the "high cost"; in short, "you won't be disappointed", unless you show up in September 2008, when the resort closes for a one-month refurb (possibly outdating the Decor score).
Aqua Restaurant & Lounge Hastings Main Rd Christ Church, Barbados 420-2995
22
22
21
$140
"Enjoy dinner with friends or a romantic evening for two" at this "oceanfront" Hastings Carib-Eclectic whose "ultramodern" steel-and-aluminum decor is as "trendy" as its semi-"open-air" setting is "cool and breezy"; the bill "may shock you", but most find the fare "fabulous" and "distinct" enough to be "well worth every cent"; P.S. scene-seekers "love" the "sexy" downstairs lounge for its "extensive cocktail selection."
Fish Pot, The Shermans St. Peter, Barbados 439-3000
23
21
21
$122
It's "worth the drive" to a "remote" part of St. Peter for this "lovely old fort's" "super" (though "pricey") selection of "fresh" Eclectic seafood and "magnificent views" of the "sparkling sea"; one side is set "so close to the water, fish may jump" onto your plate, but the other is "too close to the road" where "the traffic noise is tireless", so "make it clear" where you want to sit when booking.
"Absolutely marvellous" applaud acolytes of this "seductive" "Italian by the sea" (offspring of the London institution), which affords "captivating" views of St. James' Paynes Bay from its "beautifully designed" verandah; the "tasty" fare – starring "freshly made pasta" and "perfectly cooked lobster" – commands "deluxe prices" (as do "superb wines"), and it all comes via appropriately "first-class service."
Zoom "from Barbados to Bombay" or Bangkok at this old stone Christ Church edifice that, after an interior-decimating fire, now operates exclusively in its "lovely", even "sexy" "tropical forest" of a courtyard/verandah; not only are the Indian and Thai selections (ferried from two separate kitchens by "brilliant servers") "absolutely wonderful" and "superb value", but everything looks so "inviting", you may find yourself having a "too-much-choice crisis."
Brown Sugar Aquatic Gap St. Michael, Barbados 426-7684
22
20
21
$79
"Authentic" Bajan food so "delicious" you'll "want to lick your fingers" and a "beautiful outdoor" "jungle fantasy" setting make this "classic" "Caribbean dream" in St. Michael "a must" on many visitors' itinerary; but with "reasonable prices", especially for the "renowned" daily lunch and Sunday brunch buffets, "impressive staff" and "nice live music" several nights a week, "natives" "love" it too.
Opa! Greek Restaurant Hastings Main Rd. Christ Church, Barbados 435-1234
22
20
22
$84
Interrupt your Bajan sojourn for a "trip to Greece" by way of Christ Church's "perfect bundle" of "yummy", "filling" Hellenic dishes (made even more "memorable" with a smattering of "Caribbean tastes"), "outstanding staff" and "phenomenal" seaside views; "at the end" of your meal, "celebrate" how "fun" and moderately priced everything was by "breaking your plate" – or "keeping it" to inspire "fond memories."
Bellini's Trattoria St. Lawrence Gap Christ Church, Barbados 420-7587
21
20
18
$81
"If you're a romantic", take your partner for "great Italian" "under the stars" and "overlooking the sea" at this "cosy little restaurant" in St. Lawrence Gap; indeed, all agree on the "excellent ambience" – the verdict's out on the service, however ("efficient" vs. "inattentive"), whilst a vocal minority feel the whole endeavor's a little too "pricey."
"Love ice hockey?" – "catch the game" on multiple flat-screen TVs at this "cool" Christ Church sports spot "frequented by loads of Canadians" (countrymen of "iconic" owner Bert); the "nice mix of outdoor verandah, indoor tables" and "wonderful paraphernalia" also offers a "large selection" of "delicious casual" fare, including "super pizzas", "great burgers", nachos, sandwiches, etc., washed down with "excellent margaritas" and daiquiris, all "for reasonable" tabs.
Harlequin St. Lawrence Gap Christ Church, Barbados 420-7677
22
18
22
$85
Although this is a "quaint", "moderately priced restaurant", the "food and service are top shelf" assure devotees who appreciate its "good portions" of "always tasty" Eclectic cuisine and "friendly", "witty" servers (parental bonus: "children are well catered for"); there's "whimsical" decor for visual stimulation, but most would rather "watch the St. Lawrence world go past" by "getting a table overlooking the street."
