11 Best Restaurants in Barbados You NEED to Eat At (+ 11 Readers’ Favourites!)
Here are the best restaurants in Barbados for anyone lucky enough to have a holiday to the island. From well-known BBQs to hidden cafes, these are the places I loved to eat on my Barbados adventure.
Are you looking for the best Barbados restaurants to make sure you don’t miss out while you’re on the island? I don’t want to show off, but I’ve been to eight different Caribbean islands now, and I can definitely say that the food on Barbados is the best. There’s just so much choice, and such picturesque restaurants to eat it all in.
If you want to know where to eat in Barbados then let me show you all I learned during my holiday on the island.
Best Restaurants on Barbados
All the best places to eat in Barbados!
1. BBQ at Oistins Fish Fry, in Oistins
You’ll find Oistins Fish Fry on any list of the best restaurants in Barbados, it’s iconic!
Every Friday in Barbados the Oistins Fish Fry is the place to be. It’s basically a big fish BBQ with music, dancing and a chilled festival atmosphere. It’s so popular it’s just getting bigger and bigger, for locals and tourists.
I thought it was great here, with all the different foods to try, the music and the performances on stage. It was a real family place with a great atmosphere. It’s also a great introduction to Barbados food. For many people Oistins Fish Fry is an absolute highlight of the whole Barbados foodie experience.
You’ll find Oistins Fish Fry in Oistins, a usually quiet and peaceful fishing village on the South Coast that just buzzes with anticipation on a Friday, ready for all the stalls selling fish and seafood to come alive. It is actually open every night, but I’d recommend holding out for Friday for the full experience. It’s a seafood lovers’ heaven!
This is definitely one of the most iconic restaurants in Oistins Barbados.
2. Bar food at The Boatyard, in Carlisle
The Boatyard is a really cool place to hang out. Probably the coolest I found in the whole week in Barbados actually. You have to go. There are beds, hammocks and loungers on the beach, and an iceberg and trampoline to play on out at sea.
The Boatyard is one of the best bars in Barbados thanks to its location. I watched a beautiful sunset from there and then went in for Mount Gay rum (241 on Happy Hour) and Barbados’ national dish, Flying Fish, along with some fries. Yum.
Definitely recommend visiting The Boatyard on your Barbados holiday!
What to do in Barbados: the video!
See some of the best restaurants in Barbados in action in my video.
Good shots of the Chefette lunch, the afternoon tea and Cutters in there!
3. Elegant snacks at The Port Charles Yacht Club
Head to the Port Charles Yacht Club – it’s lovely. This Barbados restaurant has a swimming pool and kayaks to rent you can work up the hunger. Or you can just relax and chill out.
I tried the fresh tuna here, and it was delicious. Also, the iced coffee was very good too.
I could happily spend a day at the Port Charles Yacht Club trying all the dishes – if someone else was paying that is.
The Port Charles Yacht Club was definitely one of the best Barbados restaurants in my opinion, that tuna was as smooth as butter on your tongue!
4. Brunch at The Crane Hotel
The Crane Hotel is well-known for being one of the best restaurants in Barbados
I’d booked the Gospel Brunch at The Crane Hotel for 9am, so off I went in my finest dress and shoes (dress code) and got there for dead on. What I didn’t know was that they’d emailed me at 8:45am to say they were full.
Couldn’t actually work out if it was because I was in Barbados by myself, or some other reason. Anyway, I didn’t get to try the brunch at The Crane Hotel, but still wanted to include it in this list of where to eat in Barbados so you can try it for yourself. It’s meant to be very good!
The Crane Hotel is one of the fanciest hotels on the island perched on the cliffs overlooking Crane Beach, often cited as one of the best beaches in the world. The restaurant here is in demand, obviously.
Start your Sunday of sun worshipping off with a luxurious gospel brunch in the restaurant upstairs. Just make sure you book early to get in, and double confirm your booking before you set off.
I even got a bus there and everything.
5. Breakfast at The Surfer’s Cafe, Oistins
Go to the Surfer’s Café in Oistins for a super chill breakfast with a view. I thoroughly enjoyed my sausage and egg butty sat in the window looking out to the beach, and with a coffee to top it off it was less than £10.
This restaurant in Barbados was a good price, relaxed and the sea breeze coming in was wonderful.
This is a popular spot with digital nomads thanks to the great Wi-Fi. As well as breakfast they have lunch, smoothies and a great brunch menu too. Most importantly, they have a great atmosphere!
If you’re looking for an Oistins restaurant for the day time, The Surfer’s Cafe is a great shout.
6. Barbados cuisine at Cutters, St Philips
The cutter (Bajan sandwich) I had here was one of my favourite meals in Barbados. Ok, Cutters might not be known as one of the ‘top’ restaurants in Barbados, but it’s definitely one of the most authentic. You can get great Barbados food here, in lovely deli surroundings. This would be a great place if you want to pick up some foodie souvenirs from Barbados, to take back and enjoy at home.
The flying fish cutter is the national sandwich of Barbados, so you NEED to try one while you’re there.
A ‘cutter’ is made up of succulent fish, fried and put between a cornmeal bap – here it’s served up with another Barbados favourite, Macaroni Pie. Delicious.
The Very Special Rum Punch here is famous so I had to try that, and a litre of water too. Got to be careful in the heat. Safety first.
Cutters delivers down to Crane Beach between 12 and 1 – I’d take them up on that!
7. Bajan cuisine at Brown Sugar
TEMPORARILY CLOSED
Brown Sugar is known for its traditional Bajan cuisine and as a great place for a hearty dinner in Barbados. I was so hungry by the time I got there I wolfed the two salt bread rolls served with salty butter and so when my main came out, it was all too much.
Delicious though, and I still managed to get through it.
Fish stuffed with crab and served with plantain. Or to give it its proper description…
SPICED FISH FILET
Filet of seasonal fish stuffed with a crabmeat, baked and topped with Cajun shrimp,
served with a tamarind and coconut sauce.
Brown Sugar also now do a take out menu so you can take your food back to your hotel or villa too.
8. Sushi at Naru, Christ Church
Naru is one of the best Christ Church Barbados restaurants. Visit and enjoy a sushi feast right on the beach – still on a table of course.
It was very romantic here, I had a lovely time on my own surrounded by couples…
I actually did.
I enjoyed a sampler of Yellow Tail Nigiri, a side of Tuna Nigiri and then a full Wizard of Oz Maki Roll.
Oh, and the sake Margarita was special at Naru too.
Really liked it here – lovely location, really good staff and delicious food. I wanted another round of sushi, but decided I should probably quit while I could still move.
Naru is definitely one of the best restaurants in Barbados in my opinion, serving some of the best food in Barbados too.
9. Afternoon Tea at Sandy Lane, St James
Sandy Lane is one of the fanciest places to stay in Barbados, it’s where the rich and famous like to book into for some R&R. Going for Afternoon Tea is a great way to check out the hotel, without having to cough up too much cash for the pleasure of checking out the accommodation.
Although, the price of that Afternoon Tea in Barbados would definitely cover a week or two’s supermarket shop for me back in England.
We’re on holiday though, who cares?
If you watch the video at the top there’s more on what you actually get from an afternoon tea at Sandy Lane, but it’s another of the best Barbados restaurants that I’d definitely recommend you make time for on your travels.
Sandy Lane is one of the fanciest accommodations in Barbados and a great spot for some luxury Barbados dining.
10. Fast food at Chefette, Bridgetown
I wanted to lunch like a proper Bajan in Bridgetown, and decided to have a lunch at Chefette. Chefette is the Bajan fast food restaurant that shut down McDonalds on the island as no one was interested enough to go.
If you want to eat the Barbados food that the locals eat, then get yourself a roti. This is another of my meals in Barbados I forgot to take a photo of but you can see me chowing down on the video above.
Chefette is an institution in Barbados and if ever you mention it to a Barbadian you’re sure to get a good response. I went for the roti, which one guy told me was scientifically proven to be the best roti in the world – not sure what India would say about that, but yes, it was tasty.
If you’re looking for a place to eat in Barbados that won’t stretch the budget, Chefette in Bridgetown is a great idea. Definitely not one of the fanciest restaurants Barbados has to offer, but it’s one of the most authentically Barbadian.
11. Elegant dining at Tides, Holetown
Where to eat in Barbados that no one else can afford? Tides, or number 12, the Cliff.
I didn’t go to either because they cost a fortune and you’ll need to book way in advance, but, if you’ve got the money, flaunt it my friend.
Tides is the best restaurant for fine dining Barbados has to offer. The speciality here is seafood, and their lobsters and oysters are known as being some of the best in the world, never mind just Barbados. Instagrammers, foodies, celebs – they all love it here. And as well as the excellent food, there are stunning views and an art gallery featuring work by some of the world’s best artists too.
12. Sand Dunes in Barbados
If you’re looking for a fine dining experience, look no further than Sand Dunes on the west coast of Barbados. The menu features a mix of international and Caribbean cuisine, with something to suit every taste. Highlights include the fresh seafood, which is caught daily and prepared to perfection. The restaurant has a beautiful setting, with an open-air dining area that overlooks the beach.
Staff are professional and attentive, and the prices are fair for the quality of food on offer. Sand Dunes is the perfect choice whether you’re looking for a romantic dinner for two or a night out with friends in Barbados.
13. Fisherman’s Pub, Speightstown
Fisherman’s Pub is a great place to get fresh seafood. The pub is located in Speightstown, a small town on the northwest coast of Barbados. The town is home to many small fisheries, so the seafood at Fisherman’s Pub is always fresh and delicious.
The menu features a variety of seafood dishes and traditional Bajan specialties like flying fish and cou-cou. It’s relaxed and laid-back, and the staff are always happy to chat with guests about the best places to visit on the island.
Whether you’re looking for a casual meal or a place to relax with a drink, Fisherman’s Pub is the perfect spot. It’s one of the top restaurants in Barbados for a relaxed meal out.
14. Mimosas, St. Lawrence Gap
Mimosas is a great choice for breakfast or lunch. The restaurant is located in St. Lawrence Gap, a popular tourist area on the southern coast of Barbados. Mimosas has a casual atmosphere, and the menu features a variety of international dishes.
The highlight of the menu is the pancakes, which are made fresh to order and come with a variety of toppings. The service is friendly and efficient, and the prices are reasonable.
The best thing, though, is the view.
The restaurant has a large outdoor terrace that overlooks the beautiful Caribbean Sea. Whether you’re looking for a tasty meal or a perfect place to watch the sunset in Barbados, Mimosas is the ideal spot.
15. Mojos, Bridgetown
Mojos in Barbados is a fun and casual restaurant located in the heart of Bridgetown. The restaurant has a lively atmosphere, and the menu features a variety of international dishes. The menu highlights the burgers, which are made with fresh, local beef and come with a variety of toppings.
Service is friendly and fast, and the prices are reasonable.
The best thing about Mojos, though, is the rooftop bar. The bar has a great view of the city and is the perfect place to enjoy a drink after a long day of sightseeing. Whether you’re looking for a delicious meal or a place to relax and people-watch, Mojos is a perfect choice.
This is one of the best restaurants Barbados has to offer.
16. Aspara Samudra in The Gap
Aspara Samudra is a great choice if you love Indian food. This Barbados restaurant is located in St. Lawrence Gap, a popular tourist area on the southern coast of Barbados.
Aspara Samudra has a casual atmosphere, and the menu features a variety of traditional Indian dishes including tandoori chicken and lamb biryani. Service is friendly and efficient, and the prices are reasonable. The restaurant has an outdoor terrace that overlooks the beautiful Caribbean Sea.
If you’re looking for a delicious and authentic Indian meal, Aspara Samudra is a perfect choice.
17. Harlequin, St Lawrence Gap
Harlequin in St. Lawrence Gap offers a casual dining experience with a mix of Caribbean and international cuisine. The menu features delicious food like curry chicken roti, jerk pork, and shrimp pasta. The restaurant also has a full bar with a wide selection of beers, wines, and cocktails.
Harlequin also offers live music several nights a week. It’s a relaxed restaurant, perfect for enjoying a meal with friends or family.
Harlequin is the perfect spot for dining in Barbados.
18. Fish Pot, Holetown
Fish Pot is a seafood restaurant located on the northwest coast of Barbados. The restaurant overlooks the Caribbean Sea, and the menu features a variety of seafood dishes. Highlights of the menu include lobster tails, crayfish, and shrimp – service is friendly and efficient, and the prices are reasonable.
The best thing about Fish Pot is the view. The restaurant has an outdoor terrace that overlooks the beautiful Caribbean Sea. Whether you’re looking for a casual meal or a place to watch the sunset, Fish Pot is the ideal spot to enjoy some of the best food in Barbados.
19. Just Grillin’ Holetown, St. James
Just Grillin’ is one of the most popular restaurants in Holetown, St. James. The restaurant is known for its fresh, grilled seafood and meats. The menu features a wide variety of items, including lobster, crab, fish, shrimp, and chicken. The restaurant also offers a selection of salads and sides.
Just Grillin’ is open for lunch and dinner, and reservations are recommended. It’s pretty casual here, it’s one of the most family-friendly places to eat in Barbados.
20. Salt Cafe, Bridgetown
Salt Café is a lively restaurant in the heart of Bridgetown, Barbados. The menu features fresh, local seafood and produce and traditional Caribbean dishes. The atmosphere is casual and welcoming, and the staff are always happy to help with any questions you may have about the food or drink choices.
Be sure to try one of their delicious cocktails – they’ll hit the spot!
21. Champers Restaurant Barbados, Bridgetown
Champers Restaurant Barbados is one of the most popular restaurants in Bridgetown – it’s known for its delicious food and spectacular views. Champers offers a wide variety of menu items, including seafood, steak, chicken, and vegetarian options, with an extensive wine list.
In addition to its excellent food and service, Champers is also known for its beautiful views of the Caribbean Sea.
The restaurant is located on the water, and patrons can enjoy stunning sunsets while dining. Champers is the perfect place to enjoy a romantic dinner or a night out with friends. If you’re visiting Barbados, be sure to check out Champers Restaurant Barbados.
22. Open Kitchen 1 Millhouse Complex
This Barbados Restaurant is an open kitchen concept restaurant that’s casual and welcoming, located within the Millhouse Complex – a popular shopping destination in Barbados.
The open kitchen concept allows guests to see the chefs preparing their meals and gives the restaurant a more relaxed and informal atmosphere. The menu features traditional Barbadian cuisine, and the chefs use fresh local ingredients to create dishes that are full of flavour. The restaurant also has a bar, where guests can enjoy a drink before or after their meal.
FAQ about Barbados restaurants
1. Which are the best restaurants in Barbados for lunch?
The best places for lunch in Barbados include Chefette, Just Grillin’ Holetown, and Mimosas, as well as Barbadian restaurants like Champers Restaurant, Salt Café, and Tapas. If you just want to get a quick lunch in Barbados, then these are the places to go for.
2. What are the best restaurants in Barbados for breakfast?
Whether you want an American or Caribbean breakfast, there are tons of restaurants in Barbados for breakfast that will serve you the best meal to kickstart your day. Check out breakfast cafes and restaurants such as Bliss Cafe, Cafe Bar Carizma Chattel Village, and Cafe 195 & Bistro to enjoy some tasty, toasty treats.
3. Where are the cheap restaurants in Barbados?
You don’t need to spend a lot to enjoy a heartwarming meal in Barbados.
Pronto Food & Drink, Happy Days Cafe, Irie Foods, and Just Grillin’ Quayside will cater to your cravings at a very cheap price. They’re some of the best cheap restaurants in Barbados to choose from.
4. Which restaurants in Barbados are by the beach?
Enjoying a meal by the beach in Barbados is an amazing holiday experience. Luckily, spots like Paul Owens At The Beach House, La Cabane, JuJu’s Beach bar, and Surfer’s Bay Beach Bar have great food and a beach landscape. Book in early for the best tables!
5. Which restaurants can I find on the west coast of Barbados?
The west coast of Barbados has a great choice of restaurants to check out. The best west coast restaurants in Barbados include The Tides Barbados, The Cliff, Chicken George & Yankey Joe’s Beach Bar, Fish Pot, and Zaccios. These are some of the best restaurants in Barbados for dinner.
6. Is there fine dining in Barbados?
Experiencing fine dining in Barbados is pretty easy. The Caribbean restaurants such as The Tides Barbados, Lone Star Restaurant & Hotel, and Champers Restaurant Barbados all serve exquisite food in a wonderful ambience. They’re some of the top restaurants in Barbados, and the service is just what you deserve, enjoy!
7. What food must I try in Barbados?
Don’t leave Barbados without trying their Bajan or Barbadian cuisine.
To begin, try Cou-cou, fishcakes, and macaroni pie. What else could represent the island country but its traditional food inspired by African, Portuguese, Indian, Irish, Creole, Indigenous, and British roots?
Here’s a great guide to Bajan cuisine that’ll help you decide what to eat in Barbados.
Quench your thirst with Barbados’ Mauby traditional drink – it’s made out of the bark of the Maudy Tree and sweetened. It’s best paired with traditional delicacies of Barbados such as the aforementioned Cou-cou.
Best restaurants in Barbados
There are so many great places to eat in Barbados, you have a mouth watering culinary journey ahead of you my friend! Whether you like seafood, sushi, BBQ grills, or charming local favourites – every meal can be an exciting adventure in the best restaurants in Barbados.
Do not miss the authentic Barbadian food at places like Chefette, Cutters and Oistins – in fact, the three of them made up some of my favourite food experiences in Barbados.
Exploring Barbados by its best places to eat is a great way to see the island beyond the main strip.
Of course the ‘best Barbados restaurant’ is totally up to you to decide, no one else can say. That’s why I’ve given you the best restaurants in Barbados I found while I was there. Compared to other Caribbean islands I’ve been to, the food in Barbados is the best!
READ MORE: The Best Restaurants in Antigua, or maybe the Best Places to Eat in Aruba?
PIN THESE AMAZING BARBADOS RESTAURANTS FOR LATER
Sage near Carlisle Bay is a must try .Amazing breakfast ,elegant decor and a relaxing and friendly experience .The food is so fresh and beautifully presented ,a must Try Vicky .😁
Mojos and Champers are in Worthing and a good 10 minute drive from Bridgetown, if you are looking to go, for the Roti go to Indian Grill (next to the Yacht Club) lower Bay street just before Carlisle bay,, full on 1lb Roti go early as they sell out quick
My choice: LOBSTER ALIVE.
Thanks for your comment. There are so many great restaurants to enjoy in Barbados, it was hard to choose! Glad to have had so many great comments for places to try next time I go though.
You missed Cuz at Pebble beach for a great location and lovely cutter.
Also lots of fry nights across the island at a rum shop near you.
Ooo sounds like a great option for next time I visit!
You’re way off on your picks. Must be getting paid to post some of these.
Nope! These are the restaurants I enjoyed when I was there. Please feel free to comment with your favourites too!
Champers is also great.
Oh I’ll have to try that one next time I visit then!
What about Marco Polo – Crane – great evening dinning in the Bajan Rum Shack offering amazing fresh prepared delights at amazing value for a good plate of lovingly prepared dinner …… oh the drinks are great value also – http://www.marcopolobarbados.com
@Marc Egan, Damn right, great food and service!
@Marc Egan, agree with that one! We visited here twice x
@Marc Egan,
Great food, great service.See you in Sept.
A must go to,on my list.
Oh, sounds fab, and great to read that so many people agree with you on that too!