By: Rhe-Ann Prescod

There is this lingering question many ask about Barbados; Why is the island the Culinary Capital of the Caribbean?

To answer simply, Barbados has over 400 diverse restaurants and eateries. On the island, you can indulge in street food, international cuisine and of course the best Bajan food.

The island is also home to the Barbados Food and Rum Festival; one of the most sought-after festivals in the world. This year the festival takes place from October 19th – 22nd and can be described as the ultimate foodie dream weekend.

For a foodie, attending the Festival is probably the best time to visit the island but if bad luck strikes and you can’t attend, there are still a myriad of restaurants and eateries on the island to tantalize your tastebuds.

To take it a step further, based on the letters that spell out Culinary Capital of the Caribbean, we will give you a list of diverse restaurants and eateries you can try on your next trip to Barbados.

• C- Chefette

  You cannot travel to Barbados without trying something from Chefette. This is the island’s local fast-food chain, known for its tasty broasted chicken. It’s also one of Rihanna’s favourite food spots on the island.

• U- UMI

  Located at Sugar Bay Hotel, Umi offers savoury Asian-Fusion specialities. You can treat yourself to traditional and contemporary sushi as well as Asian-themed cocktails.

• L – La Cabane

  When you think of dining in paradise, La Cabane gets it right. This seaside feet-in-the-sand dining experience makes every meal unforgettable with its Mediterranean style cuisine.

• I – Il Tempio

  They say when you enter as a guest you leave as a friend. This authentic Italian restaurant is situated on the west coast of the island and has been dubbed “the best Italian food in Barbados” by late Italian opera singer Luciano Pavarotti.

• N – Nishi Restaurant

  Enjoy a diverse menu of English, Caribbean and Asian dishes at one of the island’s most popular sushi restaurants. Be sure to try the Volcano Maki Roll and thank us later.

• A – Asian Spice Indian Restaurant

  If you love the taste of authentic Indian flavours and aromas, then this is the restaurant for you. The Asian Spice Restaurant offers a wide variety of authentic Mughlai cuisine, which is one of the most popular cuisines in North India.

• R – Round House Restaurant

  With the world-famous “Soup Bowl” as your backdrop, spend your day on the scenic East Coast basking in Continental Caribbean cuisine. Round House offers unique history, great food, friendly people and a nice mellow vibe.

• Y – Yelluh Meat

  Let Yelluh Meat ignite your tastebuds with their flavourful breadfruit bowls. Filled with fresh ingredients, an assortment of meats and plenty love, these breadfruit bowls are a must try.

• C – Champers

  For Barbadians and even visitors, Champers is like home. It’s the go-to restaurant to celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, graduations or any treasured milestone. This waterside dining offers delectable Bajan cuisine, picturesque views and a friendly atmosphere.

• A-Ackee Tree

  With a tagline of ‘Fabulous Foods’, Ackee Tree’s specialty is roti. They offer a variety of flavours and fillings including chicken, potato, pumpkin and lamb just to name a few.

• P- Primo Bar & Bistro

  Primo is a bistro with style. It is a TripAdvisor Travelers’ choice and offers a diverse selection of international cuisine. You can try the Moroccan Curry, Greek Salmon or even the Lebanese Catch of the Day.

• I- Irie Foods

  Taste a bit of Jamaica at Irie Foods. Enjoy Jamaican delights like jerk chicken, rice & peas, oxtail, patties, ackee and saltfish and so much more.

• T- Tapas

  Situated on the south coast boardwalk, just a few feet away from the water’s edge is Tapas. The food is one thing but many rave about the drinks, especially the Botanist Botanical Punch.

• A-Aeon Bar & Grill

  Open daily, Aeon Bar is known for its affordable dining and exceptional entertainment. There is always some type of special being offered but many love to flock to the bar and grill whenever it’s Disney Karaoke night.

• L – La Baguette French Bakery

  La Baguette makes your day a little sweeter with their fresh French bread and pastries. Every morning the bakery’s boulanger (baker) prepares various baked goods from scratch including baguettes, croissants, pain au chocolat and more.

• O – Oistins

  No one in the world can grill a fish like a Bajan and Oistins Bay Garden is where you can taste why. Friday night is the best time to experience the world-renowned Oistins Fish Fry where you can have various fish with grilled potatoes, macaroni pie, rice & peas and various salads.

• F – FriiGuys

  What started out as a gourmet food truck, is now one of the island’s number one choices for anything fries. Located in Worthing Square, Barbados’ food truck hub, and the West Coast, you can revel in their home-cut fries with calamari, BBQ wings, shrimp, chicken and steak.

• T – The Cliff

  Originally opened in 1995, the Cliff quickly became world-renowned as Barbados’ pemier dining destination. Its food, service and ambience were unparalleled. Reopened in 2022, the restaurant’s glass sea-facing kitchen allows guests to catch a glimpse of the culinary team as they create dishes that excite the eyes and wow the taste buds. 

• H – Harlequin Restaurant

  Described as casual starlight dining, Harlequin Restaurant prides itself on being vegetarian-friendly offering a menu for any type of food lover. If you get the chance to pop in, you must order the pina colada cheesecake.

• E – Eco Lifestyle + Lodge

  Barbados is a sustainable destination so of course one can find farm-to-fork experiences on the island. Eco Lifestyle is a great option as it offers a tropically-inspired plant-based menu. Dining here can always be quite spontaneous as the menu changes with the season.

• C -Cuzz’s Fish Stand

  Perfectly seasoned grilled fish, sandwiched between soft fresh bread, topped with lettuce, tomato and your choice of condiments; a perfect fish sandwich. That’s what you get at Barbados’ favourite Fish stand.

• A – ArtSplash Cafe

  ArtSplash provides the best, healthiest and locally sourced food possible with their selection of fresh breakfasts, lunches, snack, juices and smoothies. They also serve Lavazza Coffee that can be enjoyed alongside Free Wifi and their art gallery.

• R – Rum Vault

  The Rum Vault is the first of its kind on the island of Barbados and is perfect for a date night. In this intimate dining experience, the Vault Chef and Rum Ambassadors take you on a culinary journey featuring exquisite rum-pairing dining experiences as well as rum-tasting flights.

• I – Italia Coffee

  This list would not be complete without mentioning a Frescante Espresso from Italia Coffee. This cup of magic is a favourite at the island’s leading coffee house. You can also sip coffee from all over the world as there’s always a daily brew.

• B – Baia

  Baia takes inspiration from the diverse culture and deep gastronomical heritage of Latin America. Situated on the famed West Coast, Baia brings to the Caribbean mouthwatering Peruvian-fusion food, exceptional cocktails and live entertainment in a laid-back, rustic luxurious setting.

• B- Bikini Beach Barbados

  This is the island’s newest seaside restaurant and beach club located on the West Coast. The menu is a fusion of Caribbean, American and International favourites. This is a great atmosphere to unwind and relax while being served a delish teriyaki pineapple bowl.

• E – East Moon

  Locals have said this is arguably one of the best Chinese restaurants on the island where you can enjoy all your favourite Chinese dishes. The food is authentic, the service is great and it is well priced.

• A – Atlantis Historic Inn

  Sundays in Barbados are best spent with a plate filled with rice, macaroni pie, meats and every kind of salad possible. That’s why you should definitely try Atlantis’ famous Sunday buffet lunch. It’s a guaranteed delight with delicious Bajan food, refreshing cocktails and a beautiful view.

• N – Naniki Barbados

  Nestled on the lush slopes of the scenic Scotland District, with a breathtaking view of the Atlantic is Naniki. Known for its “country dining” the menu features a variety of Caribbean delicacies, including; catch of the day, curried or grilled chicken or roast pork served with local favourites like yam, breadfruit, sweet potato and their special coconut bakes.

So, now that you have a very detailed guide and the lingering question has been answered, it’s time for you to eat your way through the Culinary Capital of the Caribbean…literally.

By: Rhe-Ann Prescod

The most exquisite tastes can transcend your palate and create memories that can last an eternity.

At the Barbados Food and Rum Festival, this is definitely the case as the festival can be described as a culinary nirvana filled with the most diverse and delicious cuisine. Every year, the festival is held in October and features famed chefs, mixologists and culinary personalities.

This year the festival takes centre stage from October 19th -October 22nd with eight unforgettable signature events. From an authentic Barbadian fish fry to the ultimate breakfast party and of course a sumptuous feast, there is something for every type of foodie to enjoy.

The fan favourites are Rise and Rum which is a delectable sunrise party filled with endless breakfast delights and Liquid Gold feast which exudes opulence with a vast amount of skillfully crafted delicacies.

Other events include Culture of Cuisine Talks, Oistins Under the Stars, Chef Classics, the Junior Chef Cook-Off Competition, Rum Route and Bajan Fair which is a new family-friendly event.

Though the festival may be the biggest culinary event in Barbados, no matter what time of year you visit the island, there is a wealth of culinary experiences to enjoy. There are over 400 restaurants and eateries offering a myriad of cuisines for everyone to try. And with new spots constantly popping up around the island the options can feel immeasurable, so here’s a guide to help you dine around the Culinary Capital of the Caribbean.

We’ve picked a few of the island’s newest restaurants to add to your must-try list.

A Beachside Vibe

You can’t travel to Barbados without spending the day with your toes in the sand, listening to the murmur of waves as you are served the most sumptuous food. Therefore, places like Calma and Seashed should be on your foodie list.

Described as a Laissez-faire seaside vibe, dining at Sea Shed is time spent lounging by the beach and sipping cocktails with incredible food. The Sea Shed Nachos are a must-have and they are filled with local breadfruit crisps toasted in our firebrick oven and topped with sour cream, guacamole, spicy salsa and jalapeños.

Similarly, Calma is a new beach club in the heart of Holetown, Barbados. Together, the founders have created a space where both locals and tourists can come together and be served fresh and delicious food paired with wonderful cocktails.

From Farm to Fork

Barbados is a sustainable destination and that also translates into the island’s food. Around the island, you can find a few restaurants that specialize in the Farm to Fork experience. One of these restaurants is Local & Co which brings drink, love and local to your plate. Dining at LOCAL & Co means you are literally helping to grow local food systems while supporting the local economy.

The restaurant menu constantly changes depending on the crops, weather conditions & Chef’s mood so if you love spontaneity and sustainability then Local & Co is for you.

However, one menu staple is the juicy Smash Burger. The bun is made in-house daily and the age Bajan beef is hand ground from Oink and Moo. From the bacon jam to the onion rings, each ingredient is made by hand and with love.

Another great option is Eco Lifestyle & Lodge which has a tropically-inspired plant-based menu. Similar to Local & Co, the menu changes with the seasons, so you can always expect something new and exciting on your plate.

A little Sweetness

For all the sweet tooths, Café de Paris may be your new fave spot. This premium café offers delicious pastries and delights that give you a taste of Paris in Barbados.

Sizzling Street Food

Imagine dining around the world in one evening. Savour the flavours of Arabian, Caribbean, French, Indian and of course Barbadian cuisine to name just a few. This is what your tastebuds can experience at Worthing Square, Barbados’ biggest food truck hub. This unique hub is filled with over 22 food trucks with delicious treats and cuisines.

Some must-tries are the kebab platters from Souriana, the succulent grilled fish from Meal Machine or the flavourful brick oven pizza from Bacco.

There is even a Mount Gay cocktail truck where you can have the most unforgettable rum mixes. Our pick is the Basil Lemonade! It’s refreshing, tasty and with a little kick.

A Night of Fine Dining

Immerse yourself in the finest epicurean delicacies at restaurants like Baia, The Cliff or the Sipping Room.

Baia takes inspiration from the diverse culture and deep gastronomical heritage of Latin America. Situated on the famed West Coast, Baia brings to the Caribbean mouthwatering Peruvian-fusion food, exceptional cocktails and live entertainment in a laid-back, rustic luxurious setting.

The Peruvian infused cuisine takes your senses on a journey with dishes like Pollo al Josper which is Charcoal grilled Peruvian half chicken with chocolate cream and Papa Seca con Seta y Trufa which is stewed sun-dried Peruvian potatoes, a trio of mushrooms with white truffle oil.

On the same coast, you can also find the Cliff Barbados which is known for its unparalleled food, service and ambience. Originally opened in 1995, the Cliff quickly became world-renowned as Barbados’ premier dining establishment. Reopened in 2022, the previous structure has been modernised and the Cliff has been replaced with an elegant, sophisticated design. The restaurant’s glass sea-facing kitchen allows guests to catch a glimpse of the culinary team as they create dishes that excite the eyes and ignite the taste buds.

Some other popular spots that are hits among the locals are Champers, QP Bistro and Fish Pot so be sure to add those to your list as well.

With this introductory guide, you have almost everything you need to eat your way through Barbados. All you have to do now is book the next flight!