The Best Restaurants in Grand Cayman
Grand Cayman is known not just for its sensational diving, but also for its world-class dining. This island's talented chefs understand how to let the region's freshly caught seafood and in-season produce shine in their dishes.
And if you're willing to step out of your comfort zone a bit, you can get to know the ingredients and flavors of the Caribbean in local dishes, as well, such as conch stew or goat curry.
Reservations in Grand Cayman’s top restaurants are recommended for dinner time. Contact your WIMCO concierge to find out the best nights to try a place out (some restaurants have theme nights), and make reservations on your behalf. Reservations are not often required for lunch, however it’s a good idea to make one if you want a waterfront table.
Top 10 Fine Dining Restaurants in Grand Cayman
Abacus
Overview: Abacus serves steak and seafood, as well as artfully plated Caribbean-inspired cuisine. Some of the dishes you might want to try include a West Indies curry and a marinated conch appetizer. Not sure what you want to dine on? Then order several tapas -- such as the oxtail spring roll or the seared scallops -- to share with your fellow diners.
Insider tip: Abacus has live music on Saturday nights, between 7:00 and 10:00 p.m.
Ambiance: Refined and modern, with outdoor and indoor seating.
What we love: The restaurant's happy hour, which runs from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m, Monday through Saturday, when you can get 20 percent off the tapas, cocktails, wines and beer.
Location: Camana Bay, Address: 45 Market Street Grand Cayman. Phone: 345-623-8282
Upstairs at Kaibo
Overview: Kaibo offers one a la carte menu that changes seasonally, depending on the best products and seafood that are available and fresh, including local, line-caught fish. The dishes here are creative and stunning -- definitely Instagram-worthy.
Insider tip: This restaurant is only open Wednesday through Sunday. It opens at 5:30 p.m.
Ambiance: Upscale tropical, set in a grand plantation house.
What we love: The restaurant's amazing six-course tasting menu is an alternative to the a la carte menu. This is an experience that is meant to be lingered over and appreciated.
Location: North side, Address: 585 Water Cay Rd, Grand Cayman. Phone: 345-947-9975
Blue Cilantro
Overview: Blue Cilantro skillfully blends the flavors of France, the Mediterranean and Asia to create their own unique East-meets-West fusion cuisine. For example, its menu features Mediterranean paella alongside an Asian aromatic seafood dish.
Insider tip: Looking for a brunch? Blue Cilantro offers one on Sundays, from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Ambiance: Fresh, elegant and upscale.
What we love: Excellent service and an extensive wine list.
Location: In the West Bay Road Fidelity Financial Centre, Address: 1 Gecko Link, Phone: 345-945-4372
Ave
Overview: Ave's specialty is steak and seafood, and its menu features such standards as a ribeye and lobster tail. But Ave's menu also includes a number of Mediterranean-inspired dishes, such as a Moroccan spiced chicken, a scallop and mushroom risotto, and a pumpkin ravioli.
Insider tip: If you decide to try the restaurant's three-course tasting menu, kids under five can eat on the house.
Ambiance: Welcoming, open and airy, with stunning views of Seven Mile Beach.
What we love: Well-thought out dishes for any vegetarian diners in your group.
Location: In the Kimpton Seafire Resort, Address: 60 Tanager Way, Seven Mile Beach, Phone: 345-746-4111
Seven
Overview: Steaks from a ranch specializing in humanely raised livestock and seafood, such as locally caught snapper with a lychee escovitch and mango butter sauce. Service is impeccable, as one would expect from a Ritz-Carlton establishment.
Insider tip: Seven has a happy hour from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., Tuesdays through Saturdays, where you can enjoy appetizers and handcrafted cocktails at a discount.
Ambiance: Elegant, with lovely views of Seven Mile Beach.
What we love: Extensive wine menu, as well as an assortment of Cuban cigars.
Location: In the Ritz-Carlton, Address: W Bay Rd, Seven Mile Beach, Phone: 345-623-7489
Taikun
Overview: If you're in the mood for high-quality, fresh sushi, you'll want to stop in Taikun. This restaurant serves a nice variety of maki, specialty rolls, and nigiri. You can also choose from a sushi prix fixe menu that includes dessert.
Insider tip: The restaurant offers a special 5-course chef's choice omakase special on Wednesdays.
Ambiance: Elegant decor, booths and banquet seating on the sides and a communal table in the middle.
What we love: Real wasabi grated right at your table adds authenticity to the sushi experience at Taikun.
Location: In the Ritz-Carlton, Address: W Bay Rd, Seven Mile Beach, Phone: 345-815-6912
Avecita
Overview: The go-to place in Grand Cayman for both traditional and inventive tapas. The tasting menu changes frequently, but some of the unique dishes that the restaurant has offered before include a Spanish octopus carpaccio and a confit of cod.
Insider tip: Dinner-only restaurant that is tucked inside the Ave Restaurant.
Ambiance: In addition to the chef's counter mentioned below, there are communal tables where guests are encouraged to be social and get to know their fellow diners.
What we love: The chef's table -- enjoy a five-course interactive dining experience with beverage pairings.
Location: In the Kimpton Seafire Resort and Spa, Address: 60 Tanager Way, Seven Mile Beach, Phone: 345-746-4111
Luca
Overview: While Luca offers numerous meat and fresh seafood dishes, its pasta is the true star of the show at this restaurant. Some examples of the modern Italian cuisine served here include a duck breast tagliata, a pappardelle with braised beef short rib, as well as gnocchi with chicken and porcini mushrooms.
Insider tip: The restaurant offers gluten-free lunch and dinner menus and also a kid's menu.
Ambiance: Upscale, modern with stunning views of Seven Mile Beach.
What we love: Luca's pasta is made fresh in house.
Location: In the Caribbean Club, Address: 871 West Bay Rd, Seven Mile Beach, Phone: 345-623-4550
Grand Old House
Overview: Because the Grand Old House's menu is a celebration of farm-to-table and sea-to-table dishes, its menu changes daily, depending on what is fresh and available. Examples of the type of dishes you might find at the Grand Old House include a braised conch stew or braised goat curry.
Insider tip: Check the restaurant's website for its specials.
Ambiance: A former plantation house, the Grand Old House has been transformed into a lovely and classy waterfront restaurant.
What we love: An award-winning wine list with more than 2,400 selections.
Location: George Town, Address: 648 South Church Street, Phone: 345-949-9333
Blue by Eric Ripert
Overview: Blue is the only AAA Five Diamond restaurant in the Caribbean. So, you know you're in for a special meal when you dine here. The dishes are creative and artfully plated. Highly recommended dishes include Blue's tuna-foie grass and butter-poached scallops.
Insider tip: Great for larger groups. Blue by Eric Ripert has two private dining rooms to host up to 40 guests.
Ambiance: Elegant and private.
What we love: If you're in the mood for a culinary journey, treat yourself to Blue's seven- or six-course prix fixe tasting menu.
Location: In the Ritz-Carlton, Address: W Bay Rd, Seven Mile Beach, Phone: 345-815-6912
Top 10 Beachfront Restaurants in Grand Cayman
Beach House
Overview: Beach House is a AAA Four Diamond restaurant that serves the type of cuisine you would find in coastal regions all around the globe. Think Asia, the Mediterranean and the Caribbean. This restaurant is also dedicated to using only sustainable and the freshest seafood and produce in their dishes.
Insider tip: For a special treat, indulge in the Beach House's five-course tasting menu.
Ambiance: Upscale, intimate, but relaxed and welcoming.
What we love: Stunning views of the Seven Mile Beach.
Location: In The Westin Grand Cayman Seven Mile Beach Resort & Spa, Address: 30620 Seven Mile Beach, Phone: 345-945-3800
The Wharf Restaurant & Bar
Overview: The Wharf prides itself on going above and beyond when sourcing the ingredients for its dishes. For example, they don't just serve any steaks. They serve Australian-certified Black Angus beef. In addition, The Wharf also tailors its menus to what is fresh and locally available from its farmers and fishermen.
Insider tip: The Wharf can use movable partitions to give your small group a semi-private setting.
Ambiance: The recent renovation ensures that every guest can enjoy stunning views of the sea.
What we love: You can choose to eat on either the waterfront deck or in the air-conditioned comfort of the indoor dining room.
Location: Pageant Beach, Address: 43 West Bay Road, Phone: 345-949-2231
La Vele
Overview: This Italian restaurant offers inventive pasta dishes, such as lobster and shrimp orecchiette and breadfruit gnocchi. La Vele also has an incredible selection of pizzas, from a traditional Margherita to ones topped with duck confit or octopus.
Insider tip: Check La Vele's website for its specials, including on takeout orders.
Ambiance: Beach chic, with breathtaking views of the sparkling blue sea.
What we love: La Vele can offer family-style dishes, such as lasagna or eggplant parmigiana, with 24-hour advance notice.
Location: George Town, Address: 147 N Church St, Phone: 345-745-8353
Calypso Grill
Overview: The menu's main focus is on seafood. Some standouts include mussels and frites, char-grilled octopus and a grilled seafood platter. There are some options for meat lovers, including steaks and roast chicken.
Insider tip: Calypso Grill is only open Thursdays through Sundays
Ambiance: Bright and cheery. Lovely harbor-side seating where you can watch the boats rock gently.
What we love: The Calypso Grill is known for its sticky toffee pudding, so don't miss it.
Location: West Bay, Address: 10 Morgan's Ln, Phone: 345-949-3948
Agua
Overview: The thoughtfully plated cuisine at Agua is Italian-based with Peruvian accents. So, menu items range from delectable pasta made in-house to ceviche (Peru claims to have invented this dish). Agua also boasts an extensive wine list, so you're sure to find the right pairing for your meal.
Insider tip: Check Agua's website for special deals, such as 50 percent off the entire wine list on Sundays, after 3:00 p.m.
Ambiance: Lovely views of Camana Bay. The turquoise and white palette of the restaurant echoes the surrounding sea and beach.
What we love: New and fresh menu every weekday & their Sunday brunches from 11.30am.
Location: Camana Bay, Address: 47 Forum Ln, Phone: 345-949-2482
The Commodore
Overview: This lovely waterfront eatery is open every day for lunch. It has a well-rounded menu that includes but is not limited to fresh seafood, pasta, tapas and even pizza.
Insider tip: If you love prime rib, head over to The Commodore on Saturday nights, between 5:30 to 9:00 p.m.
Ambiance: Elegant but casual.
What we love: The Commodore offers early bird specials between 5:00 and 7:00 p.m. on Fridays or Saturdays.
Location: West Bay, Address: Morgan's Ln, Phone: 345-623-5100
Cayman Cabana
Overview: Cayman Cabana's focus is on creating tantalizing farm-to-table dishes showcasing the finest produce on the island as well as the fresh catch of the day from the area. Some highlights from the menu include locally sourced salads, a cayman-style beef stew and mash bowl, and a conch stew.
Insider tip: Check out Cayman Cabana on Fridays for its all-day Tacos and Tequila "Happy Hour" specials.
Ambiance: Welcoming and casual, with beautiful views of the sea from the multi-tiered deck.
What we love: On Saturday nights at 7:00 p.m., Cayman Cabana offers a family-style, four-course dinner that features the best seasonal and local products available that day.
Location: George Town, Address: 53 North Church Street, Phone: 345-949-3080
Da Fish Shack
Overview: This restaurant offers a nice selection of local flavors, including breadfruit fries, plantain mahi, whole snapper, fish tea, and curry.
Insider tip: Da Shack has a happy hour from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m.
Ambiance: Stunning ocean views, chill vibe with friendly service.
What we love: Da Shack is the perfect place to enjoy a cold local brew or one of the restaurant's frosty drinks while watching the sunset.
Location: George Town, Address: 127 N Church St, Phone: 345-947-8126
Mizu Asian Bistro and Bar
Overview: What's better than a Japanese steakhouse show? Enjoying that same show on Mizu Asian Bistro and Bar's outdoor deck, while taking in the beautiful views of Camana Bay. Not into Teppanyaki? No worries. You'll also find innovative sushi rolls and delicious pan-Asian dishes at this waterfront restaurant.
Insider tip: Check the restaurant's Facebook page for specials, such as all-you-can-eat ramen and street food nights.
Ambiance: Elegant, without being pretentious. Asian-inspired decor.
What we love: The kids menu features children-friendly standards, such as macaroni and cheese, chicken tenders and grilled cheese.
Location: Camana Bay, Address: The Crescent, Phone: 345-640-0001
Andiamo
Overview: Andiamo serves Italian cuisine, including fresh pastas and pizzas, as well as grilled entrées. The restaurant also has several kid-friendly choices on the menu.
Insider tip: If you are dining at Andiamo with children, make sure to time your visit with the 4:30 p.m. feeding of the tarpon fish on Fridays through Sunday. They'll love seeing the big fish up close and personal.
Ambiance: Tropical chic with views of the Ritz Carlton's lovely waterways.
What we love: If you have a sweet-tooth, make sure to save room for the house-made gelato.
Location: In the Ritz Carlton, Address: W Bay Rd, Phone: 345-815-6912
Top 10 Restaurants in Grand Cayman for Local Food
The Brasserie
Brasserie bills itself as the Grand Cayman's original farm-to-table restaurant. And its menu is still curated to honor what is in season and flavorful and the treasures that the local fishermen can bring to shore. The restaurant also has an excellent selection of wines that can pair with your meal.
Location: George Town, Address: 171 Elgin Ave, Phone: 345-945-1815
George Town Yacht Club
You can learn a lot by sampling the local cuisine, and George Town Yacht Club offers several Caribbean favorites, including jerk chicken pasta, curry, and oxtail and short rib sandwich. This restaurant's vibe is chill and casual, and its views are lovely.
Location: The Barcadere Marina, Address: 612B North Sound Road Grand Cayman, Phone: 345-947-4892
Karoo
In the mood for local beers, then check out Karoo. This Camana Bay restaurant proudly serves locally brewed craft beers on draft to accompany its casual dining fare. Think burgers, sandwiches, pizza and a nice selection of appetizers.
Location: Camana Bay, Address: The Crescent, Phone: 345-946-6633
Morgan's
This waterfront restaurant specializes in ocean-to-table seafood dishes. So, you'll find such items on its menu as fresh catch ceviche and a mixed seafood risotto. Morgan's also has other dishes, including its classic jerk duck.
Location: Cayman Islands Yacht Club, Governors Creek, Address: 164 Yacht Dr, Phone: 345-946-7049
Tillie's
If you're ready to try some local Caribbean flavor, head over to Tillie's. This restaurant's menu offers a good mix of regional fare, including jerk chicken skewers, spratt escovitch and conch fritters. There are also plenty of choices for diners who are searching for something more familiar, including hamburgers on the lunch menu and steak frites for dinner.
Location: Seven Mile Beach, Address: 747 W Bay Rd, Phone: 345-949-3491
Veranda
This waterfront restaurant is specializing in serving fresh fish, and many accented with local flavors. Some great examples include the restaurant's Cayman-style bouillabaisse or the Caribbean fish and chips.
Location: Grand Cayman Marriott Beach Resort, Address: 389 West Bay Road, Seven Mile Beach, Phone: 345-949-0088
Heritage Kitchen
Heritage Kitchen is a popular favorite with the locals. This small casual restaurant is known for its authentic island dishes, including fresh fish Cayman-style, fritters and fish tea. Dining is outdoors on picnic tables.
Location: West Bay, Address: Boggy Sand Rd, Phone: 345-939-3474
Caboose Cayman
Set in the middle of Grand Cayman's Cricket Square, this outdoor restaurant serves what it has dubbed "Farm to Fire BBQ," Caribbean fare. Caboose Cayman's fish is caught fresh by its boats Brasserie Catch I and II. And its dishes also feature organic vegetables grown in a garden next to the restaurant. Caboose Cayman's slow-smoked meats are also naturally raised.
Location: George Town, Address: 171 Elgin Avenue, Phone: 345-945-1816
Island Taste
A local favorite, Island Taste has been in business for 40 years and serves up several popular Caribbean dishes, including jerk chicken, oxtail and beans, stewed conch and Jamaican patties. Island Taste is also a bakery that sells fresh bread and baked goods.
Location: Optical Outlook Ltd, Address: #7 Caymanian Village, Phone: 345-949-14890
Mango Tree Restaurant
Mango Tree Restaurant is one of the best places to try local cuisine. Some of the regional dishes you can enjoy at this restaurant include jerk chicken. Brown stew snapper, Cayman-style shrimp, and curry goat. Mango Tree's bar is also a popular hangout for the locals, especially on Friday and Saturday nights.
Location: George Town, Address: 518 Shedden Rd, Phone: 345-946-8333
Best Kid-Friendly Restaurants in Grand Cayman
Anchor and Den
Kids are sure to love this restaurant's creperie station, juice bar and gelato stand. For the adults, Anchor and Den's talented mixologists can create handcrafted cocktails made with infused waters and homemade syrups and even smoking liquors.
Location: Grand Cayman Marriott, Address: 389 West Bay Road, Phone: 345-949-0088
Chicken! Chicken!
Chicken is typically a good choice for even picky children, especially when it's roasted slowly over wood, like it is at this restaurant. Even better, Chicken! Chicken! offers budget-friendly family feasts that include sides and Caribbean cornbread.
Location: West Shore Centre, Address: W Bay Rd, Phone: 345-945-2290
Ragazzi Ristorante and Pizzeria
In addition to pizza and pastas, which are typically popular with kids, Ragazzi also offers several family specials. For example, Paolo's Special feeds four people and includes a salad, spaghetti, pizza and profiteroles.
Location: Buckingham Square, Address: W Bay Rd, Phone: 345-945-3484
Ristorante Pappagallo
Nature-loving children will delight in the setting of this restaurant, which is located in a 14-acre bird sanctuary. If they're lucky, they might spot herons, egrets or other birds while dining at Ristorante Pappagallo. This restaurant's Sunday brunch also offers fare popular with kids, including pancakes and waffles with all the fixings.
Location: West Bay, Address: 444 Conch Point Rd, Phone: 345-949-1119
Cimboco
This restaurant offers an interesting experience -- a kids' pizza party. Children can tour the kitchen, roll their own pizza dough and then eat their creation. For more info on the pizza party, please email only: cimboco@cimboco.com. For more info about the restaurant.
Location: Lawrence Bl, Address: W Bay Rd, Phone: 345-947-2782
Best Restaurants for a Romantic Couple's Night Out
Casanova
This restaurant is named after one of the most famous lovers in history. So, it's only fitting that its waterfront setting is romantic and its food is seductive. Casanova also has a nice selection of wine to complement the restaurant's Italian cuisine, which includes homemade pastas.
Location: George Town, Address: 65 N Church St, Phone: 345-949-7633
Lobster Pot
The stunning sunsets at the Lobster Pot Restaurant make it the perfect backdrop for a romantic dinner out. Its vibe is elegant beach chic, and the restaurant's menu will be sure to impress that special person in your life. Think lobster thermidor, Alaskan king crab legs, or black tiger shrimps sauteed in herb-garlic butter.
Location: Grand Cayman, Address: 245 North Church Street, Phone: 345-949-2736
Bacaro
Bacaro serves Venetian-inspired dishes, including small plates that are perfect to share with your romantic partner, as well as tantalizing medium and large plates. The restaurant also offers an impressive five-course tasting menu that will truly make any night a special occasion.
Location: Governors Creek Cayman Islands Yacht Club, Address: West Bay, Phone: 345-749-4800
Other Top Restaurants in Grand Cayman
Craft Food & Beverage Co.
Craft Food & Beverage is considered to be Grand Cayman's original gastropub. Its menu is creative and offers an interesting mix of international dishes. For example, some of the appetizers you can order, include perogies, empanadas, potstickers and poutine. But more importantly, Craft Food & Beverage carries an awe-inspiring selection of craft beer, including local brews.
Location: George Town, Address: W Bay Rd, Phone: 345-640-0004
Thai Orchid
You can enjoy authentic Thai dishes at this restaurant, including Tom Kha Gai and Kaeng Jued Woonsen. Thai Orchid also serves sushi.
Location: Seven Mile Beach, Address: Queen's Court Plaza, Phone: 345-949-7955
The Waterfront Urban Diner
Located in Camana Bay, this diner serves up gastro-pub fare made with local ingredients. The Waterfront Urban Diner is open for lunch, dinner and also serves breakfast all day. You'll find a little bit of everything on this restaurant's menus, including sandwiches, fresh fish, and omelets.
Location: Camana Bay, Address: The Crescent, Phone: 345-640-0002
Welly's
Welly's is a local favorite that serves authentic, traditional Caribbean food. Some of the regional fare you can try here? How about oxtail and beans, stew conch or brown fish stew?
Location: George Town, Address: 110 N Sound Rd, Phone: 345-949-2541
The Cracked Conch
The Cracked Conch marries international dishes with the flavors of the Caribbean. Some of the dishes you'll find on this restaurant's menu include spicy grilled octopus, seafood bouillabaisse and -- of course -- cracked conch.
Location: West Bay, Address: 857 N W Point Rd, Phone: 345-945-5217
The Falls Steakhouse
Not surprisingly, this restaurant serves steak. But The Falls Steakhouse is not a one-trick pony. You'll also find fresh seafood, poultry and even vegetarian dishes on this restaurant's menu. All of The Falls Steakhouse entrees include your choice of either one martini, highball or beer; one starch side; one vegetable side; and one steak sauce.
Location: Grand Cayman, Address: 43 Canal Point Drive, Phone: 345-945-4755
Vivine's Kitchen
It's hard to find a more authentic Cayman dining experience than what you'll find at Vivine's Kitchen. This East End restaurant is actually located in Miss Vivine's house. Some of the dishes you may want to try include Cayman Style Beef, Cassava Cake, stew conch, and whole snapper.
Location: East End Grand Cayman, Address: Austin Drive, Phone: 345-947-7435
Tips for Dining Out in Grand Cayman
Do restaurants in Grand Cayman take US dollars?
The U.S. dollar is widely accepted, but you may also want to exchange some of your money for Cayman dollars.
How much to tip in Grand Cayman?
Before tipping, you should check that the restaurant hasn't already added an automatic 10% to 15% service charge. If so, you can always add an additional tip if you feel that the service warranted special recognition. 15% tip is customary in Grand Cayman.
What are the most popular local dishes of Grand Cayman?
If you're interested in getting to know the local cuisine, make sure to try the following dishes if you see them on the menu:
Coconut shrimp
Conch stew
Cayman style (fish, beef, etc) -- the protein is lightly breaded and typically pan-fried or sauteed and tossed in a tomato sauce with sweet peppers and onions
Cracked conch
Fish tea (actually more like a soup or a stew than a tea)
Goat curry
Oxtail
If I don’t want to drive, can I get a taxi service to and from restaurants in Grand Cayman?
The island does have taxi service, albeit expensive. Grand Cayman does not have Uber or Lyft.