THE ANTIGUAN TRAVEL GUIDE
Your Essential Guide to Antigua & Barbuda
Photo: The Bay House
WHERE TO DINE
FROM OUR BRASSERIES TO OUR BEACH BARS...
Antigua's cuisine is a reflection of our twin-island nation. It's creative, colourful and cosmopolitan. You’ll also be spoilt for choice when it comes to making reservations as there are about a 100 restaurants dotted throughout our 108 square miles. So whatever your budget, and whether you’re after fast or fancy food, you’re sure to find something to suit in Antigua & Barbuda...
World dining is truly covered here. You can chow down on everything from Italian ravioli, Spanish gazpacho and French crêpes to Indian rotis Mediterranean tapas and Japanese sushi. You can even enjoy a Middle Eastern falafel before smoking a hookah pipe, and there’s a little joint in town renowned for serving the best pizza in the Caribbean! The rum cocktails, local Wadadli beer, and new and old world wines are sure to enhance every meal. You can even order from restaurants and have your delicious meal delivered to you with Allmart.
Of course, there’s nothing to stop you picking up a delicious treat on one of our street corners either. Local delicacies include jerk chicken, pepperpot stew and conch fritters, with tamarind balls and Johnny cakes for afters. Fresh fish such as mahi-mahi and red snapper regularly appear on our menus, lobster available all year round except May and June.
OUR FAVOURITE ANTIGUA RESTAURANTS
• LE BISTRO is where Antigua goes to treat itself. It’s been an island institution since 1981, a plantation-style sanctuary tucked away amidst fragrant gardens in Hodges Bay. Chef Patrick has been in charge since 1996, spoiling his patrons with such an extensive and well-received French menu that he only feels the need to change it once a year. Candlelit dinners traditionally end with a glass of limoncello.
• CLOGGY'S location in Falmouth Harbour is enhanced by envy-inducing views of the yachts at anchor. The Mediterranean cuisine makes the most of the local seafood, while the lively mood and regular social events are all thanks to the delightful Dutch host.
• CASA ROOTS is where to go in the northwest for a subtle fusion of French and West Indian cuisine. The emphasis here is upon the best ingredients flavoured with carefully-chosen spices. Specialities include fish tacos, mahi mahi baked in banana leaves and creamy chocolate mousses. Sunday lunchtimes are particularly popular, not just because of the creative cocktail menu but also because of the blissful views over Runaway Bay.
• ANA'S ON THE BEACH spills out onto the powdery white sands at Dickenson Bay. A masterful interpretation of Caribbean chic, the vibrant splashes of turquoise and pink are as pleasing to the eye as the eclectic art displays. You can enjoy Mediterranean and Caribbean cuisine in the alfresco restaurant, as well as uninterrupted views of the ocean from the tapas bar. Beachfront cabanas are also available.
• LA BRASSERIE is a little corner of France right in the heart of English Harbour. Isabel and Eric have long prided themselves on their traditional French fare, and you can treat yourselves to their buttery croissants for breakfast, their croque monsieurs for lunch and their ducks à l’orange for dinner. The chilled ambience, waterside setting and bobbing yachts are all added bonuses.
• SALT PLAGE at the Siboney Beach Club is another must-do eatery on the edge of Dickenson Bay. Show up just as the sun is setting, and there's a good chance your Blue Coconut cocktail will be complemented by vermillion skies. The candlelight will then take over, the romantic vibe enhanced by island-fusion dishes such as Caribbean Curry Shimp and Crab Cakes topped with Pico de Gallo and passionfruit Beurre Blanc. A longtime island favourite.
• THE REEF is a secluded dining experience on idyllic Green Island. Enjoy gastronomic Mediterranean cuisine with breathtaking views, overlooking powdery white sands and crystal clear waters. Serving lunch only, this tranquil unique setting is a true island paradise. Only accessible by boat, with water taxis available at Willikies Fisherman Dock.
• THE BAY HOUSE offers all-day dining, eclectic menus and one of the best views in Antigua. Located in the Trade Winds Hotel high above Dickenson Bay, you get to order treats like eggs Benedict from the breakfast menu, jerk chicken from the deck menu, coconut shrimp from the tapas menu and Barbuda rock lobster from the dinner menu. Stop by around 5 pm and you get a sunset thrown in too.
• LOS CABRONES might be relatively new to Antigua, but thanks to its authentic Mexican food, lively theme nights and great deals, it’s already made quite an impact on the English Harbour culinary scene. The nachos, tacos, burritos and fajitas are complemented by an equally wide array of tempting tequilas, heavenly margaritas and creative cocktails.
• SANDRA'S BEACH SHOP BAR & GRILL is what an Antiguan beach bar is all about. Fun, friendly, laid-back and as close to the beach as it’s possible to get. In this case, the pristine white sands of Jolly Beach. Anything from fried plantains and beef burgers to jerk chicken and lobster lunches are on offer here, the splendid west coast sunsets often enhanced by the live music and Happy Hour specials.
• GARDEN GRILL is a buzzing alfresco eatery frequented by anyone in the know. Secreted away amidst the swaying palms of Dutchman’s Bay, its unpretentious vibe is enhanced by its inventive menus – anything from spicy chicken sandwiches and goat’s cheeseburgers to salmon and sweet potato cakes are on the menu. Also open for dinner on Fridays and Sunday brunch. Handy for the airport, with the beach nearby.
• GATHER STEAKHOUSE is the new sister restaurant to the Garden Grill. Also located on blissful Dutchman's Bay, it's where to come for the finest quality beef and family-style sides in an elegant and inviting 'hacienda-style' ambience. Outdoor seating also available. Open Tuesday to Saturday from 5 pm and on Sundays from 4 pm with occasional live entertainment.
• COLIBRI is a much-loved eatery combining the best of the Caribbean with the best of France. Secreted away amidst a palm-dotted garden just outside Nelson's Dockyard, its quaint cottage style suits its historical surroundings perfectly. French and Creole cuisine is on the menu here, the house-made bouillabaisse, gnocchi, steamed lobster tail, and truffle and Parmesan fries just a few of the culinary offerings getting rave reviews.
• PILLARS RESTAURANT is a dalliance with our 18th-century nautical past and an Antiguan must-do. Sprawled out over a waterfront deck at Admiral’s Inn, it’s where you get to dine on tuna tartare, lobster risotto and baby back ribs while listening to soft jazz music and wishing you had a yacht like that big white one bobbing in the water in front of you. All the historical charms of Nelson’s Dockyard are also on the doorstep.
• BOOM RESTAURANT at Gunpowder Suites is where lunch also comes with 'a side' of yachts — not to mention some rather delicious truffle parmesan hand-cut fries. Other specialities at this alfresco eatery include grilled tiger prawns, chicken spring rolls and seared Ahi tuna, the elevated views over Nelson’s Dockyard ensuring most guests tend to linger. Day passes are available if you fancy a dip in the infinity pool.
• SHIRLEY HEIGHTS LOOKOUT RESTAURANT also deserves a mention. Not so much for its simple if wholesome fare, but for its jaw-dropping and eye-popping views over English and Falmouth Harbours. Show up before the sun sets on Thursday and Sunday evenings, and there’s a party thrown in too, the barbecued ribs, chicken and pork enhanced by free-flowing rum punch and the pulsating rhythms of steel and reggae bands.
• SIPS & TIPS This modern café and wine lounge in the north near Crosbies has already cultivated a loyal clientele, the food as tasty as it is varied and the wine list equally extensive. The karaoke fun on Wednesdays has proved itself quite the draw, while the last Saturday of every month is another crowd-pleaser thanks to the live music from a local band.
• BOARDWALK RESTAURANT/BISTRO The aptly named Boardwalk Bistro is tucked away in the heart of historical Redcliffe Quay, its 18th-century charms enhanced by its entertaining views over St. John’s cruise port. The trendy cocktails and chilled beers are paired with favourites like prime steaks, fresh seafood and fluffy crêpes, the live music and nearby casino enticing you to go on the dance floor and the gaming tables.
• CLEAN FOOD ‘N JOOCE is where Antigua’s health-conscious flock. You’ll find this laid-back eatery on the Friar’s Hill Road outside St. John’s, the emphasis here on quality ingredients that energise and rejuvenate. Think everything from chicken paninis and salad power bowls to protein shakes and freshly pressed juices. Takeouts and deliveries are also available.
• ALI BABA is where Antigua celebrates the flavours of the Middle East. Or more specifically Lebanon. Specialities at this modern, alfresco eatery outside St. John’s include falafel and tabouli, wraps and kebabs, as well as popular dips like hummus and baba ghanoush. Pasta and pizzas are also on the menu if you prefer to go with what you know, hookah pipes on offer if you don’t.
And talking of takeouts and deliveries, Miss Ellie (Tel: 268-720-7859) is the company to contact if you’re in the mood for authentic Antiguan cuisine with a delightful twist, while The Vanilla Orchid (Tel: 268-720-7903) will deliver everything from freshly made breads to boozy donuts.
And if you're looking for somewhere casual to eat in town, consider the Harbour View which serves salads, sandwiches and paninis right on the waterfront at Redcliffe Quay. Although don't be surprised if you're diverted by the sweet smell of freshly-made crepes at Crepe It Antigua on Lower Church Street!
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