Taste the Flavours of Barbados: A Local Foodie's Guide to the Best Eateries on the Island
Lobster eggs benedict at Eco Lifestyle + Lodge
If you're as passionate about great food as I am, you've come to the right place. As a proud Bajan, born and raised, I've had the privilege of sampling most foodie offerings on island. From high-end establishments to charming local spots, there's something for every food lover here in Barbados.
Before we begin, let me highlight a few important points and disclaimers:
Whether you’re eating out or buying directly from the supermarket, food is very expensive in Barbados. I personally think it’s comparable to eating out in New York and London, so be prepared.
Support local wherever possible! You can familiarise yourself with local, seasonal food by checking out guides and resources from orgnisations such as Slow Food Barbados. Ingredients to look out for: Local produce such as breadfruit, sweet potato and green banana are popular ingredients. Meats such as chicken, pork and lamb are usually local, as are mahi mahi and tuna.
Allergies and specific food restrictions are not taken very seriously here when eating out, as a general rule. More common restrictions such as gluten free can be accommodated, though most gluten free options are prepared in a ‘contaminated’ space. This is not a criticism, just a frank warning for anyone who has serious allergies.
From upscale dining experiences to hidden gems that exude local charm, here are some of my personal recommendations and places that I like to eat in Barbados:
Lunch with a view at the Bay Tavern, Martin’s Bay
CASUAL FOOD
How do I define casual dining? My criteria is: Full meal for US$25 or under per person (including beers, cocktails and wine). Occasional seating (some are more of a food truck vibe) but little to no expectations of restaurant service. These aren’t listed in any particular order, only sorted by location.
SOUTH
Oistin’s Fish Fry (Lunch or Dinner))
Cuz's fish cutters at Pebbles Beach (Lunch)
Worthing Square Food Truck Park. Check out Stix (kebabs), Arepitas (arepas) and Bucco (Pizza). (Lunch or Dinner)
Just Grillin’ (Lunch or Dinner)
Happy Taco (Lunch or Dinner)
Sahara (Lunch or Dinner)
Tagore’s (Lunch or Dinner)
Yelluh Meat (Lunch or privately catered)
Brighton Market (Lots of delicious food stalls and breakfast options)
Shakers (Dinner)
Artsplash
Bliss Cafe (Breakfast)
BRIDGETOWN AREA
Savvy on the Bay (Food Truck Park) The ham cutters are great, can’t speak to anything else as yet! (Lunch or Dinner)
K’s Roti and Grill (Black Rock) (Lunch)
WEST
Mindful Market (Lunch)
Caboose Fish cutters in Speightstown (Lunch)
Chris’s Place (Lunch or Dinner)
Little Bristol (Lunch or Dinner)
Rock Net Grill (Lunch or Dinner)
Real Jamaican Jerk Food (Lunch or Dinner)
EAST
Bay Tavern at Martin’s Bay (Lunch)
Lemon Arbor (Lunch)
Chefette (Lunch or Dinner)
Arepitas in Worthing Square, Hastings
MID RANGE
How do I define mid range dining? US$50-US$75 per person (including cocktails and wine) in a restaurant with service. These aren’t listed in any particular order, only sorted by location.
SOUTH
Salt Cafe (Lunch or Dinner)
Castaways Bar & Grill (Lunch or Dinner)
Carib Beach Bar (Lunch)
Cafe Sol for Mexican (Lunch or Dinner)
Copacabana Beach Club (Lunch)
Buzo Italian (Lunch or Dinner)
Sage Bistro (Breakfast or Lunch)
Surfer’s Cafe (Breakfast, Lunch or Dinner)
Cocktail Kitchen (Lunch or Dinner)
Country House Caterers
Barbados Cruising Club/Dippers (Lunch or Dinner)
WEST
Zacchios (on the beach) (Lunch or Dinner)
Open Kitchen (Lunch or Dinner)
Bento Box (Lunch or Dinner)
Lemongrass (Lunch or Dinner)
Sitar (Lunch or Dinner)
Ju Ju’s (Lunch)
NORTH
Animal Flower Cave (Lunch or Dinner)
EAST
Atlantis Hotel (Sunday buffet)
PEG Farm Cafe (Farm to Table) (Lunch or Dinner)
Round House (Lunch or Dinner)
Breadfruit gnocchi at The Local & Co., Speightstown
LUXURY DINING
How do I define luxury dining? My criteria is: Full meal for US$100-US$150 or more per person (including cocktails and wine). Great wine or cocktail options, with a beautiful setting. These aren’t listed in any particular order, only sorted by location.
SOUTH
Champers (Lunch or Dinner)
WEST
La Cabane (Breakfast, Lunch or Dinner)
Nishi (Lunch or Dinner)
Sea Shed Restaurant (Lunch or Dinner)
Local & Co. (Breakfast, Lunch or Dinner)
Tides (Lunch or Dinner)
QP Bistro (Lunch or Dinner)
The Rum Vault at Colony Club
The Bearded Rose (Lunch and Dinner)
EAST
Eco Lifestyle + Lodge (Breakfast, Lunch or Dinner)
Whether you're seeking high-end gastronomy or the authentic flavours of local cuisine, our island has something for every palate. As a proud Bajan foodie, I encourage you to support the local culinary scene and embark on your own delicious adventure through the eateries of Barbados. Bon appétit and enjoy the flavours of our island!
