In this article, we explore why the Cayman Islands is lovingly known as the Culinary Capital of the Caribbean and the popular restaurants we recommend!
Grand Cayman is immensely proud to be known as the Culinary Capital of the Caribbean. It is because we have over one hundred different nations of people living on this island? We also have amazing chefs who love what they do and are always trying out new dishes and cocktails.
We will find no large restaurant chain (although we are getting an Olive Garden soon), and all the restaurants are very modest. We once had an exceptionally large Outback Steakhouse at The Strand Plaza in the late 1990s, and it could have done better since it was so large. Usually, you do not need a reservation for just two people; they can fit you in, especially at the bar. However, if you have a large party, it is essential you reserve and try and go earlier than 7pm. The restaurant does like it when you make a reservation, which helps them judge the workload for that day. Most of the higher-end resultant have both seaside and outdoor seating. Outdoor seating can be hot in the summer if you are not on the water. Many places are closed on Mondays, and most have happy hour deals, but there are no early bird specials in Cayman. Most people dine later in the evening, around 7 or 8 pm; after you get back from the beach and shower, change it to later.
I will put the diners, bars, and restaurants in this real estate blog by area and genre. We will start with West Bay, Grand Cayman, which offers a variety of local pubs and restaurants. Here are some notable spots:
Known for its Australian-Caribbean fusion cuisine, Tukka West offers dishes made from the freshest local fish. It is located at Morgans Harbour and provides stunning sea views of the Sound and Stingray City; on a bright and sunny day, you can see Rum Point across the Sound.
This seafood restaurant is located on the water at Morgan's Harbour and is famous for its relaxed atmosphere and delicious seafood dishes. The bright and colorful restaurant is one of our favorites. The staff makes the experience so much better. The house salad is necessary. I dare you to try to figure out what is in the decision-making.
A Caribbean fusion restaurant that has been a staple in West Bay since 1981. It features an elegant dining area with coconut shrimp and other local favorites. Its sister's restaurant on the same property is way more casual.
This popular bar and grill offers great ocean views and a bucket of beer that goes down so great after a dive!
Serving Mediterranean-Japanese fusion cuisine, NOVA offers panoramic views of the pool and the Caribbean Sea. It is located at the dive resort Cobalt Coast Dive Center, which has been open since 2023.
This small restaurant focuses on vegetarian and vegan cuisine. It is known for its beautiful ocean views and calming atmosphere. It is located at the Lighthouse Point Condos in West Bay, next door to the diving resort.
A local favourite for authentic Caymanian Food, Heritage Kitchen is located on Boggy Sand Road and offers picturesque views of the Caribbean Sea. You must try the fish tea; watch out for the eyeballs.
An adorable wine and cocktail bar with a sophisticated ambiance, offering over forty wines by the glass and a selection of cocktails located in the plaza next to Fosters in West Bay
Bella Trattoria is a brand-new rustic Italian restaurant with classic red and white tablecloths and fabulous Italian Food in the plaza next to Fosters in West Bay. - Known for its handcrafted pasta and pizzas, Bella Trattoria offers a cozy Italian dining experience.
This Italian restaurant is set in a beautiful location with a unique ambiance. It features delicious pasta, seafood, and other traditional Italian dishes.
Schooners is located at the Cayman Turtle Centre's. This large, screened-in outdoor eatery features an outdoor kitchen and a large bar.
This is a great local restaurant in West Bay. They serve Chinese cuisine and Cayman classics such as oxtail, grilled chicken and curry chicken. Side dishes such as plantains, beans and rice, slaw and potato salad can be enjoyed alongside your main
Subway is the only fast-food restaurant located at the 4-way stop in West Bay.
Fosters Grocery has an excellent deli with breakfast sandwiches, soups, porridge, and fruits.
Next, we are moving into the Seven Mile Beach Corridor, where we have a large number of restaurants, grills, and bars, all within walking distance from your condo or hotel. At Cayman Islands Yacht Club, we have two great canal front restorations. Both are fantastic, and I highly recommend dining at both. It is so interesting to see the yachts and sailboats travel by as you dine.
Baraco provides Italian tapas; all the portions are small, so you can order 3 or 4 to try. You must try Beetroot Potato Gnocchi, the Italian tapa restaurant, and the wine bar. Inspired by Venice's traditional 'Bacari,' Ask for Barney or Frederico, the owners. They have exceptional wine lists and cocktails. Closed on Monday,
This is a beautiful outdoor restaurant with great breezes while you dive and look over panoramic views of Governors Creek and the boating. Indulge in a classic cocktail or bottle of wine, as you watch the sun set and breathe in the charm of Morgan's. My favourite dishes are Chicken Schnitzel and Jerk Duck. Morgans are closed on Tuesdays.
Duke is a super chill place with picnic tables. It serves Cayman classics like conch fritters and blackened mahi. Check out their famous Duke's ribs and ice-cold buckets of beer. Dukes is located across the road from the public beach, Harbour Heights Condos, and the new Watermark condos. It is pet friendly as well.
After Watermark condos are still under construction in July 2024, there will be an onsite highly anticipated Michelin-type restaurant. More on that later. You come along to a plaza that opened during COVID. This plaza is located on West Bay Road across from the Great House condos. Here, you will find The Grove in Grand Cayman hosts a selection of appealing restaurants:
Known for its daily five-course menu featuring local ingredients, Mario's offers a farm-to-table dining experience with an extensive wine selection. They have a patio, but I would recommend you dine inside its so because the decor inside is so luxurious with the blue velvet and dark woods. This is a must-do. You go online and pay for the 5-course menu created daily based on what the Canada-born chef finds at the farmers market that day. She is amazing. This is our most famous restaurant, and the wine list is out of this world. This is a necessary date night place.
This restaurant and bakery combine Greek and Asian cuisines, boasting the region's most extensive wine and champagne selection. It offers a relaxed atmosphere reminiscent of the Greek islands, perfect for enjoying with family and friends. Jonathan is the chef, and his steaks are excellent. Exceptionally large and fun, it turns into a fun place after 11 pm on Fridays and Saturdays. You might even see a lady dancing on the tables.
This is an excellent choice for healthy vegan breakfast, lunch, and dinner options. It focuses on natural and wholesome ingredients. The Food is super nutritious, and they may even serve a bit of meat.
Simon Crompton created this cocktail bar, which offers an array of innovative cocktails, bar snacks, and small plates. The bar provides a lively atmosphere with an eclectic soundtrack and is a fantastic venue for various occasions.
Governors Plaza has two fast-food joints for breakfast, lunch, and dinner: Seven Mile Burger and Seven Mile Greens.
The next plaza is Cayman Falls, across from the Westin Hotel (click here for the blog that shows the hotel restaurants there).
A diner-style family restaurant that serves American breakfast, lunch, and dinner, known for its generous portions and reasonable prices. It has been a popular spot for over 40 years.
This family-friendly bar and grill offers a variety of dishes, including burgers, wraps, salads, and more. It is also a wonderful place to watch sports on big screens.
Known for serving high-quality Japanese cuisine, Yoshi Sushi offers a menu that includes sushi, hibachi, noodle bowls, and more. It is way cheaper than the sushi restart at the Ritz or Westin.
Known for its authentic Mexican cuisine and extensive tequila selection, check out Taco Tuesdays.
Amazing steaks, way better than the Ritz. The Falls Steakhouse offers a high-quality dining experience with exceptional service and a welcoming ambiance. This Falls steakhouse is known for its prime cuts of beef and complimentary martinis. My husband, Jon, BBQs the best steak at home; otherwise, we would be eating here.
Next up is Lloyds, a Texas-style smokehouse. The ribs are so delicious, located across from Park Place Plaza on Earth Close. The old-fashioned ones are amazing. You must try the old-fashioned peanut butter, bacon, and smokey old-fashioned ones. Next door is Island Naturals. This is her first location, and it has excellent healthy shakes, smoothies, and fake bacon, as well as vegan breakfast, lunch, and dinner options, focusing on natural and wholesome ingredients. They are super healthy, and they may even serve a bit of meat. Close by is The Hive, a screening bar and grill, and lots of parking.
At the Strand shopping center, we have KFC, Paperman's coffee house and a wonderful place to pick up a salad, wrap, sandwich, or any coffee you can dream of—they can make it. Silk Chinese Restaurant has the most amazing Peking Duck. Check out the Costa Rican Food at Spanglish and the la parrilla, as well as tacos and margaritas.
Ginos Pizza is a plaza restaurant across the street from Luca, an oceanfront fine-dining restaurant located on the ground floor of Caribbean Plaza.
Taco Cantina and Ragazzi are the only two restaurants in Buckingham's Plaza, across from Watercolours condo complex. Taco Cantina is Mexican goodness. Ragazzi is one of my famous Italian restaurants; we usually take clients or business associates here. It is an excellent place for lunch and dinner. The wine list includes some great Barolos, Babes, and Amara.
Lonestar has been around for years and years, and I am sure their kitchen has seen a few stories. I would personally pass them as there are other better bars. Next door at Regency Court Plaza is where you will find Vines to Ocean (V20) and Wok-n-Roll, a fun fast-food Chinese takeout. Next door is Blue Cilantro, which has amazing curries. Moving south, you will find a few restaurants at Galleria Plaza, called Fresh, a wonderful place to grab a fresh sandwich or rolls, PD's sports bar and grill, and Saltwater Grill, a casual, family-friendly restaurant specializing in fresh, grilled seafood. Smoothie Factory- Specializes in smoothies, juices, and healthy snacks.
At West Shore Plaza, aka "the pink plaza," enjoy authentic Cuban cuisine at Cuba Libre Cayman, located on the corner of West Shore Plaza. This incredible new spot boasts a regular live music schedule, tasty tropical cocktails, and a true-to-Cuban-roots menu. Subway and Wendy's fast Food are here. Treats is a fun place for specialty cakes, small tarts, and donuts. The iconic Chicken has been in this plaza for over 30 years and is a quick place to get a healthy lunch or even dinner, super casual.
Fast Food such as The Fisherman's, Burger Shack, A la Kabob at the Marquee Plaza, Cimbocos. Next door is Pizza Hut and Craft Food and Beer. Keep going toward George Town, and next up is Coconut Bar & Grill, outdoor dining. Next up, you will find XQ Pizza and Grill. Next door is The Seven Mile Shoppes on your right. The Bird is an excellent pub for lunch, and the Icoa bakery and restaurant is a beautiful place to get Pho and Bao buns.
The next plaza is Queen Court Plaza, all sports bar and grill where you can play pool and darts and drive ice-cold beer buckets. If you are hungry, there are a few restaurants in the plaza, such as Pizza Boat, formerly Papa John's Pizza. Fidel Murphys (every town must have an Irish bar, proper), The Kitchen, and my favourite Thai Orchid. Owned by a local restaurant, Solidad May is a dietician, and all her food desserts are made with healthy foods. Known for its authentic Thai cuisine and sushi options. No MSG, and they grow their herbs. Sunday brunch is the best deal on the island and is always full. For vegetarians and pescatarians, there is a fantastic fish and meat-free menu with beautiful soups, salads, Pad Thai, and curries. Check the walls, the owner does all the painting, and they are for sale!
Next up is Captain Bakery. It is located where we once had a Taco Bell back in the 1990s. Now it is a Jamaican bakery. Going towards town, you will see The Wharf, a large outdoor restaurant. They do many events and weddings here. It is a bit of a tourist trap. The fish is expensive, but the views are incredible. Across the street are KFC and Southern Spice, my favourite Indian Food. This takes us into Geroge Town which is for another blog.
In conclusion, if I could only pick five different restaurants they would be: Marios, Ragazzi, Morgan, Bacaro and Thai Orchid.