A Barbados luxury holiday offers many unforgettable experiences and dining out is chief among them.
This exclusive Caribbean island is famous for its fantastic restaurants and culinary flair and we have been hosting luxury cricket tours and horse racing holidays here for more than three decades so, when it comes to first-hand knowledge, we really are the experts.
Here are ten of our top Barbados restaurants and eateries to tempt your taste buds on the Caribbean island.
The Lone Star
The Lone Star is an iconic eatery and boutique hotel which was nicknamed "the Ivy of the Caribbean" by the late Michael Winner.
Upon entering this 1950s-chic west coast Barbados restaurant you really do feel like a movie star, enjoying stellar service and views of the white-sand beach just metres away. The menu largely comprises of mouth-watering Italian specialities, including wood-fired pizza at lunchtime, alongside some 'Lone Star Classics' such as homemade shepherd's pie and Sunday Lunch. Unusually for such an illustrious eatery, The Lone Star carries a 'Little Stars' menu for children, with sure-fire hits like fish fingers and chips!
Where is it: Hwy 1b Mount Standfast, Mount Standfast, Barbados
The Lone Star is an iconic Bajan restaurant
The Cliff
This world-renowned restaurant has more than earned its legendary status over the years, with an exclusive Platinum Coast location and truly incredible food. For a special evening out, dinner here is a fantastic option.
What makes this Barbados restaurant so special is the combination of incredible food and an incredible cliff-side views. There is also underwater lighting that showcases the myriad of sea life. You can also arrive early and sip signature cocktails in an open-air lounge on the top floor, enjoying the sea views.
Though tables are in high demand our Concierge team can pre-book for you in advance of your trip, guaranteeing you won't be disappointed.
On the menu is a wide selection of both Caribbean and worldwide favourites, from chargrilled mahi-mahi and The Cliff rum baba, to open ravioli of shrimp and warm bread and butter pudding.
Where is it: Derricks, St. James
The Cliff terrace at sunset
The Tides Restaurant
Located in Holetown, and set in a coral stone and mahogany post-WW2 former Bajan home, The Tides Restaurant is a superb setting for a West Coast water’s edge lunch or dinner. The restaurant itself has a décor of Bajan blues and crisp whites, with spectacular sea views showcased through the open frontage.
Delivered by a team with expert credentials, guests can indulge on the likes of pot roast chicken breast, The Tides seafood tower and roast pineapple. Younger guests meanwhile can tuck into chicken curry served in a coconut, followed by a traditional banana split! Be sure to pop into the adjoining art gallery too, for stunning works by local artists.
Where is it: Holetown, St. James
The Fish Pot, Little Good Harbour
This charming family-run Barbados hotel and its celebrated restaurant are hidden away on the island's north-west coast, making it a tranquil spot to enjoy a meal. It's worth making a trip up here, perhaps combined with a visit to Speightstown, for lunch or dinner on the delightful terrace, right at the water's edge.
It has recently been refurbished but still retains its charm within an 18th-century waterfront fort. As you may guess from the name, fresh seafood features prominently, as do local ingredients on the whole. Simple yet exquisite flavours are always on the menu. Think blue crab salad, lobster and guava cheesecake. The wines have been specially selected from Margaret River in Australia - the hometown of owner Andrew Warden.
We recommend the lobster ravioli!
Where is it: Shermans, St. Lucy, BB27190
The Fish Pot is a delightful little restaurant in Barbados
Oistins Fish Fry
Though not technically a restaurant, you can't talk about dining in Barbados without mentioning Oistins Fish Fry. Oistins is a fishing town on the Bajan south coast and a fantastic place to visit on the weekend. On Friday night, in particular, Oistins Bay Gardens host a 'fish fry'; an informal outdoor grill using the freshest of Bajan ingredients all cooked right in front of you.
Whether you prefer lobster, swordfish or even chicken, you'll find a vendor who'll pile your plate high with delicious fare. Then just find a spot to eat your food whilst listening to music and taking in the dynamic atmosphere.
Many hotels run shuttles or even boat transfers to Oistins; it really is a Barbados 'must-do'. Best of all, it will usually cost less than £10 per head!
Oistins Fish Fry is a Bajan must
Fusion Rooftop
On the top floor of the Limegrove Lifestyle Complex (where you’ll also find our Barbados destination office) Fusion Rooftop is a 72-seat al fresco restaurant and trendy lounge with feng shui design and chilled out features; like the ‘live wall’, fire pits and water features. The retractable roof means dining here in the evening will be under a blanket of stars.
The menu has been designed to suit all manner of tastes, with sushi and premium sake a speciality.
Where is it: Limegrove Lifestyle Centre, Holetown, Barbados
The Cliff Beach Club
If you're looking for the quality of The Cliff with a more informal feel, sister-property The Beach Club by the Cliff offers fine fare on the beachfront. Experience laid back luxury with a view, cocktail in hand and a delicious lobster sandwich!
Our top tip? Head down at sunset for a Bajan garden punch, consisting of rum, ginger ale, apple juice, elderflower liqueur, marinated Bajan garden fruit, mint and marjoram.
Where is it: H'way 1 Derrick's St. James BB, BB24110
Lobster Alive and All That Jazz
This Bajan institution in Holetown will give you a new-found love of this scrumptious crustacean. Caribbean spiny lobsters are caught by scuba divers – in the Grenadine Islands – and flown to Barbados alive by private plane…so they really are as fresh as you’ll get!
The feet-in-the-sand dining is seriously laidback, and there is a “Lobster Man” who will jump in and out of the live lobster tank to retrieve your selected lobster! Expect cold local beer, live jazz music and a menu that lets the namesake ingredient do the talking.
Where is it: Wesley House, Bay Street, Bridgetown, St. Michael
Contact our team who will be delighted to arrange your restaurant reservations and transfers, to create the perfect addition to your luxury Barbados holiday.