THE ANTIGUAN TRAVEL GUIDE

OUR FAVOURITE ANTIGUA RESTAURANTS

 

• LE BISTRO is where Antigua goes to treat itself. It’s been an island institution since 1981, a plantation-style sanctuary tucked away amidst fragrant gardens in Hodges Bay. Chef Patrick has been in charge since 1996, spoiling his patrons with such an extensive and well-received French menu that he only feels the need to change it once a year. Candlelit dinners traditionally end with a glass of limoncello.

 

• CLOGGY'S location in Falmouth Harbour is enhanced by envy-inducing views of the yachts at anchor. The Mediterranean cuisine makes the most of the local seafood, while the lively mood and regular social events are all thanks to the delightful Dutch host.

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• CASA ROOTS is where to go in the northwest for a subtle fusion of French and West Indian cuisine. The emphasis here is upon the best ingredients flavoured with carefully-chosen spices. Specialities include fish tacos, mahi mahi baked in banana leaves and creamy chocolate mousses. Sunday lunchtimes are particularly popular, not just because of the creative cocktail menu but also because of the blissful views over Runaway Bay. 

 

• THE HUT LITTLE JUMBY is what top-notch tropical island dining is all about. Just a 3-minute ride by shuttle ferry from the mainland, the Caribbean’s ‘most exciting Beach Club & Restaurant’ showcases the globally inspired cuisine of Executive Chef Eoin Smith. The unfussy yet refined brasserie-style lunches and dinners are complemented by signature cocktails, live DJs and blissful seascapes, with the nearby beach huts perfect for sleeping it all off. Reservations essential. 

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• CHARR’D WOOD FIRE GRILL is where to head in the north of the island if you like your flame-grilled meats and fresh seafood to be infused with the authentic smoky flavours of open-fire cooking. Antigua’s newest wood-fire grill restaurant also offers creative sides, craft cocktails and curated wines in a modern and vibrant space at the Town Park Plaza just outside St. John’s. 

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• SALT PLAGE at the Siboney Beach Club is another must-do eatery on the edge of Dickenson Bay. Show up just as the sun is setting, and there's a good chance your Blue Coconut cocktail will be complemented by vermillion skies. The candlelight will then take over, the romantic vibe enhanced by island-fusion dishes such as Caribbean Curry Shimp and Crab Cakes topped with Pico de Gallo and passionfruit Beurre Blanc. A longtime island favourite. 

 

• THE REEF  is a secluded dining experience on idyllic Green Island. Enjoy gastronomic Mediterranean cuisine with breathtaking views, overlooking powdery white sands and crystal clear waters. Serving lunch only, this tranquil unique setting is a true island paradise. Only accessible by boat, with water taxis available at Willikies Fisherman Dock. 

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• THE BAY HOUSE offers all-day dining, eclectic menus and one of the best views in Antigua. Located in the Trade Winds Hotel high above Dickenson Bay, you get to order treats like eggs Benedict from the breakfast menu, jerk chicken from the deck menu, coconut shrimp from the tapas menu and Barbuda rock lobster from the dinner menu. Stop by around 5 pm and you get a sunset thrown in too.

 

• LOS CABRONES might be relatively new to Antigua, but thanks to its authentic Mexican food, lively theme nights and great deals, it’s already made quite an impact on the English Harbour culinary scene. The nachos, tacos, burritos and fajitas are complemented by an equally wide array of tempting tequilas, heavenly margaritas and creative cocktails.

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• THE TEXAS SMOKEHOUSE in Jolly Harbour Pavilion brings slow-smoked Texas-style BBQ to Antigua for the first time. Inspired by the smokehouses of the Lone Star State, you can anticipate authentic dishes like mouthwatering brisket and fall-off-the-bone ribs paired with bold Southern sides and warm island hospitality. The signature Texas Twinkies (jalapeños wrapped in bacon and stuffed with brisket and cream cheese) are worth a visit in themselves.

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• GARDEN GRILL is a buzzing alfresco eatery frequented by anyone in the know. Secreted away amidst the swaying palms of Dutchman’s Bay, its unpretentious vibe is enhanced by its inventive menus – anything from spicy chicken sandwiches and goat’s cheeseburgers to salmon and sweet potato cakes are on the menu. Also open for dinner on Fridays and Sunday brunch. Handy for the airport, with the beach nearby.

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• GATHER STEAKHOUSE is the new sister restaurant to the Garden Grill. Also located on blissful Dutchman's Bay, it's where to come for the finest quality beef and family-style sides in an elegant and inviting 'hacienda-style' ambience. Outdoor seating also available. Open Tuesday to Saturday from 5 pm and on Sundays from 4 pm with occasional live entertainment. 

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• COLIBRI is a much-loved eatery combining the best of the Caribbean with the best of France. Secreted away amidst a palm-dotted garden just outside Nelson's Dockyard, its quaint cottage style suits its historical surroundings perfectly. French and Creole cuisine is on the menu here, the house-made bouillabaisse, gnocchi, steamed lobster tail, and truffle and Parmesan fries just a few of the culinary offerings getting rave reviews.   

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• PILLARS RESTAURANT is a dalliance with our 18th-century nautical past and an Antiguan must-do. Sprawled out over a waterfront deck at Admiral’s Inn, it’s where you get to dine on tuna tartare, lobster risotto and baby back ribs while listening to soft jazz music and wishing you had a yacht like that big white one bobbing in the water in front of you. All the historical charms of Nelson’s Dockyard are also on the doorstep.

 

• BOOM RESTAURANT at Gunpowder Suites is where lunch also comes with 'a side' of yachts — not to mention some rather delicious truffle parmesan hand-cut fries. Other specialities at this alfresco eatery include grilled tiger prawns, chicken spring rolls and seared Ahi tuna, the elevated views over Nelson’s Dockyard ensuring most guests tend to linger. Day passes are available if you fancy a dip in the infinity pool.

 

• SHIRLEY HEIGHTS LOOKOUT RESTAURANT also deserves a mention. Not so much for its simple if wholesome fare, but for its jaw-dropping and eye-popping views over English and Falmouth Harbours. Show up before the sun sets on Thursday and Sunday evenings, and there’s a party thrown in too, the barbecued ribs, chicken and pork enhanced by free-flowing rum punch and the pulsating rhythms of steel and reggae bands.

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• SIPS & TIPS This modern café and wine lounge in the north near Crosbies has already cultivated a loyal clientele, the food as tasty as it is varied and the wine list equally extensive. The karaoke fun on Wednesdays has proved itself quite the draw, while the last Saturday of every month is another crowd-pleaser thanks to the live music from a local band.

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• BOARDWALK RESTAURANT/BISTRO The aptly named Boardwalk Bistro is tucked away in the heart of historical Redcliffe Quay, its 18th-century charms enhanced by its entertaining views over St. John’s cruise port. The trendy cocktails and chilled beers are paired with favourites like prime steaks, fresh seafood and fluffy crêpes, the live music and nearby casino enticing you to go on the dance floor and the gaming tables. 

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• WILD TAMARIND is where the views are as scrumptious as the food. Tucked away on the edge of stunning Ffryes beach, this open-plan eatery takes the world’s finest dishes and ingredients and makes them their own. Think everything from stone baked pizzas and Creole chicken breast for lunch to pan-fried mahi mahi and Caribbean coconut curry for dinner. Or why not sip cocktails with your toes in the sand and watch the sun sink beneath the turquoise waters. Reservations recommended. 

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• STREET BLENDS is an enticing sidewalk ‘coffee window’ on Newgate Street in St. John’s. Look no further if all that duty-free shopping is giving you a bit of a thirst – the fashionable boutiques of Redcliffe Quay and Heritage Quay lie just moments away. Handcrafted bestsellers here include everything from speciality lattes and matcha latte creations to dreamy dessert-inspired sips. The indulgent baked goods with a fun twist are the perfect finishing touch.  

 

And talking of takeouts and deliveries, Miss Ellie (Tel: 268-720-7859) is the company to contact if you’re in the mood for authentic Antiguan cuisine with a delightful twist, while The Vanilla Orchid (Tel: 268-720-7903) will deliver everything from freshly made breads to boozy donuts.

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And if you're looking for somewhere casual to eat in town, consider the Harbour View which serves salads, sandwiches and paninis right on the waterfront at Redcliffe Quay. Although don't be surprised if you're diverted by the sweet smell of freshly-made crepes at Crepe It Antigua on Lower Church Street! 

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