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!