Barbados Restaurants
Barbados is also referred to as the culinary capital of the Caribbean. This 20-mile long island is home to an amazing selection of eateries, from upscale restaurants serving innovative culinary creations to beach shacks dishing out local favorites.
There are over 470 restaurants in Barbados, so there are no shortage of options. Most people spend about a week vacationing there so you will get to visit a limited amount of these establishments.
In this guide you'll find information about all of the best places to eat, separated into handy sections, such as the Best Restaurants on the West Coast and the Best Family-Friendly eateries.
Once you've found the restaurants in Barbados that you are interested in visiting, contact the concierge department at WIMCO Villas for reservations.
We make thousands of restaurant reservations in the Caribbean for our valued villa rental clients each year and we would love to take care of all your restaurant reservations as well.
Best Restaurants in Barbados
With so many restaurants to choose from, you'll probably welcome a little help finding the right ones to satisfy all of your gastronomic desires.
You'll almost certainly want to stop at one of the island's top beach bars for lunch, as well as dine at one of the fine dining restaurants for dinner.
We will share our insider tips and what we like about the specific establishments.
Here is what we will cover:
Paul Owens at the Beach House
Overview : This restaurant is a showcase for the cuisine of Paul Owens, who was the executive chef for the Cliff Restaurant for more than 25 years. Seafood is the star of the Beach House's upscale menu.
Some of the dishes you might dine on include linguine with Caribbean shrimp or seared tuna.
Insider tip: Reservations, especially for the earlier evening hours, are highly recommended. American Express is not accepted.
Ambiance: Tropical chic.
What we love: The restaurant's popular Bajan Sunday lunch, which features many favorite local dishes.
Location: Holetown, Address: 1 Highway, Phone: +1 246-432-1163
Nishi
Overview: Nishi, which is divided into three specific dining areas, offering guests beautifully plated Asian, Caribbean, and English food.
Its menu is varied, interesting, and filled with tempting choices, everything from sushi to a steak and mushroom pie to burgers.
Insider tip: Reservations are highly recommended at this popular restaurant.
Ambiance: Lively and welcoming.
What we love: Nishi's special two-course and three-course pre-fixe menus.
Location: Holetown, Address: Second St, Phone: +1 246-432-8287
Daphne's (Also known as The Restaurant at Paynes Bay)
Overview: Beloved by celebrities (singer Rihanna singled it out as her favorite restaurant on the island), Daphne's serves modern Italian cuisine accented with a beautiful view of the sea. It is the sister establishment of the well-known Daphne's in London.
This establishment prides itself on incorporating the tastes of the Caribbean, fresh seafood, and local produce into its dishes, including linguine with lobster, pappardelle with duck, or sautéed mushrooms with garlic and chives.
Insider tip: The bar opens at 5:00 p.m. for happy hour.
Ambiance: Intimate, beach chic.
What we love: The restaurant's wine list is extensive, so you're sure to find one that will pair perfectly with your meal.
Location: Paynes Bay Beach, Address: Highway 1, Phone: +1 246-432-2731
The Tides Barbados
Overview: The Tides Barbados has something to offer everyone. This eatery has a lunch prix menu, dinner, Sunday lunch, a kids menu, beautiful views, superb service, live music on the weekends to accompany your meal, plus four different rooms, each with its own special ambiance.
The Tides' menu focuses on seafood but is rounded out with meat and vegetarian creations. Think char-grilled Caribbean lobster tail, pan-fried salmon, and maple-glazed pork belly.
Insider tip: Prefer to eat in air-conditioned comfort, but still enjoy a beautiful view? Then you'll love the restaurant's air-conditioned garden gazebo.
Ambiance: Four different rooms, four different vibes, from magical tree house to cozy, tropical chic.
What we love: The Tides' unique setting. This restaurant is housed in a classic Barbadian home with coral stone and mahogany details. It also has an open pavilion - the Tree House section - where Casuarina trees grow through the floor and out of the roof.
Location: Holetown, Address: Balmore House, Phone: +1 246-432-8356
Chatters Tea Room
Overview: The Chatters Tea Room offers a unique and delightful way to enjoy a light midday meal.
As its name implies, this venue serves afternoon tea featuring homemade baked cakes, scones with clotted cream, and freshly made sandwiches.
Insider tip: Advanced booking is required for special requests, such as vegetarian meals, as everything is made to order.
Ambiance: Chatters Tea Room is located in a historic National Trust Property that dates back to the 17th century, giving this eatery a charming vibe.
What we love: The dishes in this eatery are served in elegant china dishes.
Location: Bridgetown, Address: Bagatelle Great House, Bagatelle Hwy 2, Phone: +1 246-820-0459
Champers
Overview: Champers sources its fresh ingredients for its dishes from local vendors and suppliers. Your dining experience will be complimented by stunning views of the sea and the hypnotic sound of the waves rolling onto the shore.
Some of the dishes you might have the pleasure of experiencing include broiled red snapper with gnocchi and market vegetables, mushroom risotto, or Thai curry prawns.
Insider Tip: Champers has a kids menu for children 14 years and under.
Ambiance: Caribbean elegance, romantic with lanterns and candles for mood lighting.
What we love: The restaurant's impeccable and accommodating service.
Location: Bridgetown, Address: Skeetes Hill, Phone: +1 246-434-3463
Tapas
Overview: The lovingly crafted dishes on this popular restaurant's menu are diverse. Here, you'll dine on cuisine that has been inspired by the flavors of Italy, the Caribbean, and Asia.
Some delightful examples of the cuisine include pappardelle with lamb ragout, green Thai curry, and seafood risotto. You'll find this restaurant on the lively South Coast Boardwalk.
Insider tip: Plan your meal or drinks to coincide with the restaurant's beautiful sunset views.
Ambiance: Rustic chic, welcoming atmosphere.
What we love: The restaurant offers an excellent selection of beers from the local Dread Hop brewery as well as rums from Foursquare, a Barbados distillery.
Location: Bridgetown, Address: The Boardwalk Main Road, Highway 7, Phone: +1 246-228-0704
Cafe Luna
Overview: Cafe Luna is a farm- and sea-to-table restaurant that specializes in pan-Tropical flavors (think the Caribbean, Asia, and the Mediterranean). And since it is a rooftop establishment, its panoramic views are absolutely stunning.
Insider tip: Same-day reservations or cancellations can only be made by phone, not by email.
Ambiance: Casual elegance, romantic.
What we love: Cafe Luna offers a brunch menu on Saturdays and Sundays, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Location: Oistins, Address: Enterprise Beach Rd, Phone: +1 246-428-6172
Chillin and Grillin
Overview: A favorite with locals, Chillin and Grillin also welcomes visitors with open arms to try its traditional dishes, such as flying fish and king fish. For your drinking pleasure, Chillin 'n Grillin offers locally brewed beer as well as rum from area distilleries.
Ready for a lively atmosphere? Then make sure to check out this restaurant on Friday nights. Chillin 'n Grillin also has a lunch menu and kids' meals.
Insider tip: Keep an eye on Chillin 'n Grillin's Facebook page for the most up-to-date information on hours and specials.
Ambiance: Casual, a traditional island-style restaurant.
What we love: Happy hour prices on meals, from noon to 5:00 p.m., also special prices on four Banks Beers.
Location: Oistins, Address: Stall F19, Oistins Bay Garden, Phone: +1 246-231-1633
Jamaican Grill Kitchen
Overview: If you're a fan of Jamaican food, you're going to be thrilled by the dishes served at this eatery, such as ackee and saltfish with rice and peas and fish cutter. And, of course, the Jamaican Grill Kitchen also serves jerk chicken that some claim is the best available in Barbados.
Insider tip: The Jamaican Grill Kitchen is only open on Saturdays and Sundays.
Ambiance: Casual and laid-back.
What we love: Authentic food at reasonable prices.
Location: Bridgetown, Address: Aquatic Gap, Phone: +1 246-237-7644
The Cliff Beach Club (Now known as Cliff Bistro)
Overview: At the Cliff Bistro, you'll dine on beautifully plated food while taking in stunning views. The cuisine leans towards French and Caribbean with an emphasis on seafood.
Examples of the dishes at the Cliff Bistro include fish of the day cooked with wilted spinach in a Parmesan cream sauce, steak with a peppercorn sauce, or locally caught barracuda served with mouthwatering saffron risotto.
Insider tip: This restaurant was sold in September 2021, and its new owners are renovating the establishment.
Ambiance: Stylish but casual, with a chill vibe.
What we love: This restaurant boasts beautiful 180-degree views.
Location: St. James, Address: Highway 1, Phone: +1 246-432-1922
Zen
Overview: When you're in the mood for Asian cuisine, head to Zen, where you can dine on authentic Thai and Japanese dishes including sushi, pad Thai, and tempura. Zagat rated Zen as its number one for food in Barbados.
Insider tip: If you'd prefer to eat in your room instead of going out, but still want a delicious meal, then you're in luck. Zen also offers takeaway meals for your dining pleasure.
Ambiance: Understated elegance.
What we love: This restaurant boasts awe-inspiring views of Crane Beach.
Location: St. Philip, Address: The Crane Resort, Phone: +1 246-423-6220
Dis Ole House Kitchen & Beer Garden
Overview: Dis Ole House prides itself on serving "thoughtfully sourced" food, meaning they use sustainable and fresh local ingredients whenever possible.
This restaurant's specialty is seafood with an emphasis on traditional island fare, such as the Barbados national dish,cou cou, which is made from cornmeal and okra, and flying fish.
Insider tip: Reservations are required.
Ambiance: Welcoming, relaxed island vibe.
What we love: This restaurant's unique setting, a 100-year-old Bajan home.
Location: Long Bay, Address: Sam Lords Castle, Phone: +1 246-571-0502
Fish Pot
Overview: As you can probably guess by its name, this restaurant specializes in fresh seafood. On The Fish Pot's menu, you'll find gourmet fusion dishes that incorporate the flavors of the Caribbean.
Think marinated flying fish paninis and spicy lobster risotto. There are also options for meat lovers, including Caribbean chicken curry and braised lamb shanks.
Insider tip: The Fish Pot is also open for breakfast.
Ambiance: Casual yet stylish.
What we love: The restaurant is set in a historical fort dating to the 18th century and boasts uninterrupted views of the beautiful blue Caribbean.
Location: St. Lucy, Address: Little Good Harbour Hotel Shermans, Phone: +1 246-439-3000
Round House Restaurant
Overview: The Round House is a beloved family-owned and operated restaurant that has been in business since the mid-1990s. It serves Caribbean cuisine with influences from both America and Britain.
Some of the dishes on the menu include a trio of crispy flying fish served with a macaroni pie or blackened fish of the day. The Round House prides itself on serving fresh local ingredients, including vegetables and herbs from its own gardens.
Insider tip: This restaurant's happy hour runs from 4:00 to 5:00 p.m., Friday through Sunday.
Ambiance: Welcoming with a mellow vibe.
What we love: The panoramic views of the rugged east coast from the restaurant's hilltop perch. Plus, if the waves are good that day, you'll get to enjoy a bonus show. The area below the restaurant is known as the Soup Bowl and has a reputation for being one of the best surfing spots on the island.
Location: Bathsheba, Address: Highway Z St Joseph, Phone: +1 246-433-9678
Best of the Best Restaurants Barbados
Looking for a restaurant in Barbados to "do lunch" or where you can try local favorites, such as a flying fish cutter? Then check out our comprehensive list of the top restaurants in Barbados.
It's been divided into specific categories for ease of use. For instance, are you searching for the best place to take your little ones, then check out our list of family-friendly eateries.
The Cliff Beach Club
The best way to enjoy this restaurant's amazing views of the sea is by daylight. Fortunately, the Cliff Beach Club offers both an a la carte menu and a three-course special for lunch.
The cuisine here is French and Caribbean, with an emphasis on seafood. This restaurant is also open for a fun Sunday lunch with live music.
Location: St. James, Address: Highway 1, Derricks, Phone: +1 246-432-1922
Tapas
If you prefer lighter fare for lunch, then you'll delight in the many starters on Tapas’ menu, such as smoked marlin pate or spring rolls. Order several to share (or not). And if you're in the mood for something heartier, the restaurant also offers full entrees for lunch as well.
Location: Bridgetown, Address: The Boardwalk Main Road, Highway 7, Phone: +1 246-228-0704
The Lone Star
This restaurant offers a nice variety of light lunch options, including sandwiches and wood-fired pizzas. Although this buzzy eatery has a reputation for attracting celebs, its vibe is still casual and relaxed. The Lone Star also offers a popular Sunday lunch.
Location: Mount Standfast, Address: Hwy 1b, Phone: +1 246-539-0600
Fish Pot
Set in a secluded area in a historical fort, this restaurant's lunch menu features lighter fare perfect for a mid-day meal. The Fish Pot's cuisine is a mix of International and Caribbean dishes, such as a flying fish panini, and the views of the sea here are sublime.
Location: St. Lucy, Address: Little Good Harbour Hotel Shermans, Phone: +1 246-439-3000
Champers Restaurant
Champers' lunch menu is varied and offers something for just about anyone from braised lamb shank to burgers, pasta dishes and salads. Lunch seating is available on the restaurant's open terrace, gazebo, or air-conditioned dining area.
Location: Bridgetown, Address: Skeetes Hill, Phone: +1 246-434-3463
Top Restaurants for Fine Dining in Barbados
The Tides
You can expect impeccable service and beautiful views of the ocean. This restaurant serves innovative, beautifully plated dishes prepared with the freshest seafood, such as crab and lobster.
Their Moroccan-spiced chicken breast, lemon risotto, and jerk spice cauliflower are out of this world.
Location: St. James, Address: Balmore House, Holetown, Phone: +1 246-432-8356
Champers Restaurant
Champers is considered to be one of the top restaurants on the South Coast. Its beautifully plated international cuisine with a Caribbean twist will delight your eyes as well as your palate.
Some of the dishes you might dine on include oven-roasted barracuda or wok-seared vegetables. The setting is quietly romantic, with lanterns and candles.
Location: Bridgetown, Address: Skeetes Hill, Phone: +1 246-434-3463
The Cliff Restaurant
The Cliff Restaurant has been delighting Barbados visitors since 1955 and it’s re-opening in July 2022. It is set high on a cliff, hence the name, and is known for its stunning views and masterful culinary creations.
Some of the dishes you might dine on include roasted duck breasts with morels and truffled onions or seared tuna with saffron caper sauce.
Location: St. James, Address: Derricks, Phone: +1 246-432-1922
Lone Star Restaurant
This popular restaurant is a favorite with foodies and celebs. Its dishes are inventive, with flavor notes from Asia, Europe, and the Caribbean.
Dine on shredded crispy duck, king prawn linguine, or steak frites. Even better, at Lone Star, you can actually enjoy your meal directly on the beach.
Location: Mount Standfast , Address: Hwy 1b , Phone: +1 246-539-0600
Positano - Formerly Daphne's
At this restaurant, you'll dine in style on sophisticated and elevated Italian fare. Think florentine style beef short rib or lobster linguini.
Even better, the views are as gorgeous as the artfully plated dishes.
Location: St. James, Address: Paynes Bay, Phone: +1 246-432-1332
Best Restaurants in Barbados that are Children Friendly
Harlequin Restaurant
This restaurant has a kids menu (for ages 12 and under) that features a number of dishes popular with the wee ones, including chicken tenders and pasta with butter or Alfredo sauce. Plus, Harlequin's kids' meals come with a dessert and a drink. Seating is outdoors on a terrace.
Location: Oistins, Address: St Lawrence Gap, Phone: +1 246-420-7677
Chillin & Grillin
Dining on local fare is a wonderful way for children to learn more about Barbados and its culture through their taste buds.
At Chillin & Grillin, which is a traditional island-style restaurant, children can choose from three traditional dishes on its kids menu: fish cakes, chicken, or grilled fish, all at affordable prices. Kids will also love the atmosphere, which is fun and vibrant.
Location: Oistins, Address: Stall F19, Oistins Bay Garden, Phone: +1 246-231-1633
Bliss Cafe
This eatery’s regular menu is chock full of tasty creations that kids will love, including all kinds of waffle dishes (for example red velvet, banana and caramel; and raspberry and chocolate) and flatbread toasties.
Plus, and this is a big plus, Bliss Cafe has amazing, Instagram-worthy shakes. A few examples of these massive creations include a lemon meringue pie shake or a blue bubblegum shake.
This small family-owned cafe is also very accommodating for those with special dietary needs, including vegans and gluten-free dishes.
Location: Oistins, Address: Dover Rd, Phone: +1 246-255-5410
Cuz's Fish Stand
It may just be a little shack, but Cuz's Fish Stand consistently tops the list of the best restaurants in Bridgetown, Barbados. It has also earned a Travelers' Choice award from TripAdvisor readers in 2021. This award recognizes businesses that consistently earn excellent reviews.
So, how did Cuz's Fish Stand earn this award? By serving consistently delicious fish cutter sandwiches available at family-friendly prices.
Location: Bridgetown, Address: Pebbles Beach, between the Hilton Barbados Resort and the Radisson Aquatica Resort. Phone: +1 246-254-8928
Surfer's Cafe
This is a surfer-themed, family friend café with excellent views of Oistins Bay. It has a kids menu with several favorites, including the ever-popular grilled cheese as well as chicken fingers and fries.
There are also mocktails, such as milkshakes and Shirley Temples, that your youngsters can order to accompany their meals.
Location: Oistins, Address: Main Road, Phone: +1 246-435-5996
Happy Days Café
This is a charming little café proudly run by its owners, Nick and Ruth. Happy Days Cafe is only open till 2:30 p.m. and serves breakfast and lunch at reasonably affordable prices.
Check the café's Facebook page for the most up-to-date information on specials. The cuisine is American with a touch of the Caribbean. A few examples of the dishes you might dine on include eggs, sausage with beans and toast. Cash only.
Location: St. Lawrence Gap, Address: Chattel House Village, Phone: +1 246-428-2635
Relish Epicurea
Relish Epicurea's breakfast menu is quite extensive, offering omelets, waffles, and fresh baked goods. You can also find breakfast plates representing tastes from around the world, including Italy, the Caribbean, England, America, and South America.
This café also offers special occasion brunches, for instance the Father's Day special.
Location: Holetown, Address: Limegrove Lifestyle Centre, Phone: +1 246-537-0077
Cafe Bar Carizma
Located in Chatel Village, this popular restaurant offers guests a nice selection of breakfast dishes, including fresh waffles, homemade crepes, beans on toast as well as a full English breakfast.
Cafe Bar Carizma is a popular restaurant that has earned the TripAdvisor Traveler's Choice award for 11 years now.
Location: Holetown, Address: Highway 1, Phone: +1 246-432-7198
The ArtSplash Centre Cafe
The ArtSpash Centre Cafe prides itself on using healthy, locally sourced ingredients in its dishes. Its breakfast menu is well-rounded and includes a selection of items, from egg dishes to pancakes to smoothies to French toast.
Location: Bridgetown, Address: Highway 7, Phone: +1 246-228-0776
On the Bay
Located in the Yellow Bird Hotel, this restaurant proudly serves local Barbadian dishes accented with fresh herbs from its own garden. Some of the fare you might dine on include eggs with fried plantain and fried flying fish; an English-style breakfast; or a three-egg omelet.
Make sure to check out this restaurant's Facebook page for specials, like the Mimosa breakfast.
Location: St. Lawrence Gap, Address: Yellow Bird Hotel Christ Church, Phone: +1 246-622-8444
Best Local Food Restaurants in Barbados
Cuz's Fish Stand
Very popular with locals and in-the-know travelers, Cuz's Fish Stand has built up a reputation for serving arguably the best cutter sandwiches on the island. Cutters are a Barbadian specialty made with Bajan salt bread. Cuz fills his affordable cutters with fish.
Location: Bridgetown, Address: Pebbles Beach, Phone: +1 246-254-8928
Mustor's Restaurant
If you're interested in trying authentic Bajan comfort food in a cozy, welcoming setting, head to Mustor's. Here, you can try local fare, such as cou cou, flying fish, macaroni pie and beef stew. An affordable eatery that is popular with the locals. What more can you ask for?
Location: Bridgetown, Address: Mc. Gregor St, Phone: +1 246-426-5175
Fred's Bar and Restaurant Oistins
This third-generation family business has been proudly serving Bajan food since 1996. Its pickled fish is considered to be some of the best on the island. Other dishes you might want to try include macaroni pie, the grilled fish dinner, or the curry goat.
Location: Oistins, Address: Oistins Bay Garden, Phone: +1 246-254-3202
Brown Sugar Restaurant
©https://brownsugarbarbados.net
Set in an old Barbadian home, this popular restaurant's menu is filled with many traditional favorites, including Bajan soup with coconut dumplings, steamed pudding, souse, and flying fish. It is also known for its all-you-can-eat planter's buffet lunch, featuring many Bajan and Creole dishes.
Location: Bridgetown, Address: Bay St, Phone: +1 246-436-7069
Do restaurants in Barbados take US dollars?
Many restaurants do take US dollars, especially those that cater to tourists. It's always wise, however, to check with an establishment before ordering.
Menu prices are typically listed in Barbadian dollars. Fortunately, the exchange rate is easy to figure out, as it is fixed at Barbados $2 to US $1.
How much to tip in Barbados Restaurants?
The typical tip in a Barbados restaurant is about 10 to 15 percent. However, you should always check that the restaurant hasn't already added a gratuity to your bill.
If service has been exceptional, you might want to reward the wait staff with an additional tip on top of the service charge.
Are dinner reservations necessary at Barbados restaurants?
At many of the most popular restaurants, reservations are either highly recommended or required.