A Taste Of Antiguan Cuisine Starting With The 12 Best Restaurants In Antigua!

Antigua and Barbuda are both part of a single island nation that most people know as Antigua. This is one of the smallest islands in the Caribbean and it is known for its exotic beaches, stunning scenery, wildlife, and last but not least, the delicious food.

For this post, we’ll be zeroing in on the food in Antigua which is influenced by a mix of cultures from around the world. This includes West African, Spanish, Chinese, West Indian, Mediterranean, and Lebanese. The result of these influences is a cuisine that is diverse and dishes that are succulent and made with love — that is if you select the right restaurants to try them in the first place!

In Antigua, you’ll find a mix of restaurants from small-scale cafés to five-star dining spots. In this post, we’ve compiled a list of some of the best restaurants to enjoy great dining while on this island.

Good to know: Antigua is a stand-out destination for foodies. You’ll find many amazing restaurants throughout the island, particularly at the all-inclusive resorts in Antigua.

The top 12 restaurants in Antigua and Barbuda

1. Catherine’s Cafe (Picadilly)

Refined yet chic is the sort of ambiance you can expect from Catherine’s Cafe in Picadilly, Antigua. This is a French-inspired beachfront restaurant located just off the south coast of Antigua. Catherine’s Cafe is popular with diners looking for a breezy beachside meal with the possibility of enjoying some beach time as well. This restaurant typically opens for lunch and dinner, but it is possible to sit down for beach and brunch meal specials on some days until 6 p.m.

Catherine’s Cafe is located on Pigeon Point Beach. If you visit this restaurant, you'll be able to make use of their luxurious day beds or relax inside the cafe. In terms of the menu, this restaurant specializes in French cuisine. The freshest ingredients and flavors come together with the skillful techniques of the chef to create the most amazing dishes. Some of our favorite menu items at Catherine’s Cafe include the glazed pork belly, steamed local clams, and the shrimp and snow crab croquette.

With great food, service, drinks, and scenery, this restaurant is a good choice for dining out of your resort while in Antigua.

Expert tip: If you love sushi, you have to try Soy.

Tucked away behind bamboo fronds and adorned with unique oriental décor, Soy brings a taste of the Far East to the Caribbean. Our favorite rolls include the Seared Tuna Tataki, the Spicy Crispy Shrimp roll, and the Champagne Lobster roll. This restaurant is only available for guests of Sandals Grande Antigua.

The best part? Soy’s exceptional food is included and unlimited as part of Sandals' all-inclusive vacation package. Have as many glasses of wine as you wish with the dish of your choice because (alcoholic) drinks are included and unlimited during your entire stay!

2. Hemingways Antigua (St. John’s)

Great food, courteous service, and creative cocktails are just a few of Hemingways Antigua's numerous draws. This restaurant is located in St. John's Parish and specializes in traditional Caribbean cuisine. Aside from the perks already mentioned, guests will like this restaurant’s laid-back atmosphere and the fact that there is such a diverse menu to pick from.

Many who go to Hemingway Antigua describe it as the perfect respite away from the hustle and bustle. On the menu, you'll find some delicious options like Grilled Rock Lobster, Curry Shrimp and Okra Gumbo, Roasted Jerk Pork, and more. Guests especially love the conch fritters, fish sandwiches, and daily fresh catches.

Hemingways Antigua is open for lunch and dinner and its menu includes unique daily specials. As this restaurant is located in the heart of the city, you’ll be able to stop here mid-way through a day of shopping or exploring the nearby museums.

3. Cloggy’s (Falmouth)

The oceanfront views, classic Caribbean food, and great service are all reasons to visit Cloggy’s in Falmouth, Antigua. This restaurant is located in the Dockyard Drive Yacht Club Marina. This is a good dining option if you’re looking for traditional Antiguan flavors mixed in with a symphony of international inspiration.

Cloggy’s has a relaxed and welcoming ambiance. Whether you just want a quick drink, a snack, or a full meal, you’re likely to find something on the menu at Cloggy’s that appeals to you. Some of our favorite dishes here include the Veggie West Indian Curry, Seafood Pasta, the vegan creole dish, and the catch of the day. This restaurant is open for lunch and dinner on most days. If you’re looking to enjoy a delicious brunch meal, Sunday is a great day to visit.

4. Trappas Restaurant & Bar (English Harbour)

Welcoming service, an extensive menu, and a simple and laid-back aesthetic — that is what you can expect to find at Trappas Restaurant & Bar in English Harbour, Barbados. This restaurant serves up Caribbean food in a consistently delicious manner that is loved by all who go. This has resulted in many return guests over the years who love that the food selections here are reasonably priced as well.

Trappas Restaurant is ideal if you’re looking for somewhere to have a quick bite. There is a lot to choose from on the menu at this restaurant including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options. Some of our favorite dishes include mahi-mahi ceviche, jerk chicken, and Thai fishballs. We recommend making a reservation in advance for an outside table to enjoy the tranquility of the harbor.

5. Incanto Restaurant & Lounge Bar (English Harbour)

The owners of Incanto Restaurant & Lounge Bar describe this establishment as being a “slice of heaven in the Caribbean”. Upon experiencing the tradition and taste, which is a central focus at Incanto, you may find yourself in whole-hearted agreement. This Italian restaurant and lounge is located in English Harbour near Nelson’s Dockyard and is one of the best places to dine in Antigua.

Incanto Restaurant & Lounge Bar specializes in fine dining. If you decide to eat here during your vacation, you can expect to find a menu that’s filled with Italian dishes including some with a noticeable Antiguan spin in terms of the flavors. The food at this eatery is prepared by Italian chefs.

There are quite a few options on the menu at Incanto Restaurant and some of our favorites include the carbonara, daily risotto, and lamb sliders. You can expect quality service from this restaurant and an upscale atmosphere. This is an excellent choice for a couple’s date or a group dinner. Reservations are highly suggested, especially if you wish to dine on their seaside patio.

6. Papa Zouk (St. John’s)

Papa Zouk is considered the number one fish and rum spot in Antigua. If either of these appeals to you, then you can make your way to this restaurant which is located in the heart of St. John’s Parish to try it out for yourself. Dining here is a good idea if you’re looking for authentic Antiguan food, particularly seafood.

When you get to this Creole-style restaurant, the Madras tablecloths, then perhaps the straw lamps, and the artsy prints on the walls will certainly catch your attention. The ambiance here is rustic, laid back, and fun. If you’re hungry, you’ll likely start perusing the menu right away. While there are quite a few options to choose from, some of our favorites include the bouillabaisse soup, conch fritters, and the red snapper. Anything seafood is likely to be fresh and delicious here.

Food aside, Papa Zouk is also a cool spot if you’re looking to enjoy some tasty cocktails and nightlife. The service is good and the rum punch is especially good! In terms of entertainment, you can groove to live music some nights. There are many other bars and restaurants in this area so if you decide to visit, you might be able to do a bit of exploring as well.

7. Indigo on the Beach (St. Mary’s)

You can create amazing memories with someone special while enjoying a delicious meal at Indigo on the Beach in St. Mary’s Antigua. This restaurant and bar combo is located on the beach, and one of its most notable features is its tropical atmosphere. Indigo on the Beach, a fusion restaurant by design, is a good choice if you’re looking for a fine dining restaurant where you can enjoy an elevated meal.

Indigo on the Beach is located in the Carlisle Bay Hotel. Diners can enjoy beachfront views here and a range of menu options including traditional Italian dishes made primarily with locally sourced ingredients. Some of our favorite dishes at this restaurant include seafood ravioli, pan-seared tuna, and slow-cooked pork belly.

8. Nomad Restaurant (St. John’s)

From the ambient lighting to the breezy atmosphere, Nomad Restaurant is one of those places where you might just want to take a moment to soak it all in. This restaurant is located in the center of St. John’s Parish. Fine dining with an elegant atmosphere, Nomad Restaurant is ideal for a romantic dinner or a special occasion.

The food at Nomad Restaurant has stand-out Mediterranean, Creole, and Asian flavors. At this restaurant, you can indulge in a tapas menu with international inspiration or choose something from their main menu. If you want something on the tapas menu, we recommend going for the grilled boudin creole, sesame prawn toasts, or the mini baja crispy fish tacos. There are lots of other appealing options, but it’ll all depend on what you’re in the mood for.

Expect good service and cuisine, cold beverages (including some tasty trademark cocktails), and an overall romantic environment to enjoy with good company at this restaurant. Reservations are recommended.

9. The Galley Bar (English Harbour)

What diners enjoy most about The Galley Bar in English Harbour is its simplicity. This restaurant is located near Nelson’s Dockyard National Park and it is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner on most days. The Galley Bar is worth a stop if you want to pick up a quick bite or a cold drink after a day on the beach.

Drinks-wise, there are always options for beers, wine, and cocktails. The food menu is pretty straightforward and includes things like sandwiches and burgers. Those looking to unwind and take it easy will find what they’re looking for in the friendly service, tranquil vistas, and easygoing atmosphere of this establishment.

Expert tip: Do you want more than to enjoy the beach and great restaurants in the Caribbean? Take a look at these 40 projects that will transform the Caribbean & how you can help - one vacation at a time.

10. Le Bistro (St. George)

Le Bistro is a French restaurant in St. George’s Parish known for serving up some of the best food in Antigua. This restaurant is considered by some to be a hidden gem, and it gets rave reviews from almost everyone who goes. Among the things guests love most about this restaurant are its cozy, intimate, and romantic atmosphere, and the elegant and charming decor that brings the place to life.

Le Bistro has the look and feel of an authentic French bistro, and the food on the menu may sway you to believe that it is. This establishment prides itself on being the first genuine French restaurant on the island of Antigua, so diners can expect nothing but the best in terms of cuisine. We love the mushroom risotto, the seafood linguini, and the whole fresh lobster.

The team at Le Bistro is known for their attentive and kind service. They can recommend the best dishes and drinks to enjoy during your visit.

11. Sheer Rocks (St. Mary’s)

Sheer Rocks is an Antiguan restaurant known for its delicious food. This restaurant serves up classic Caribbean cuisine and it is located in St. Mary’s near the beach. If beautiful views and a cliff-top ambiance are something you’d appreciate out of a special occasion dinner or lunch, then this restaurant may be ideal.

Sheer Rocks offers Mediterranean-inspired menus with classic dishes prepared by an experienced team, including an award-winning chef. If you choose to dine here, it's a good idea to ask about the chef’s tasting menu — both plant-based and regular selections are available on this menu. If á la carte dining is your preference, we recommend the pan-fried snapper.

Your Sheer Rocks experience can include a tapas-style lunch with lots of warm sunshine, depending on the time you go. Regardless of when you choose to visit, you’ll be able to enjoy delicious food and beautiful ocean views from the terrace.

12. Ana’s On the Beach (Dickenson Bay)

The pink and turquoise shades included in the decor of Ana’s on the Beach will invite you into an** intimate and relaxed experience** that includes the possibility of booking a cabana, going to the tapas bar, enjoying the ocean views, and visiting the swim store. This Mediterranean restaurant is located in Dickenson Bay and is quite popular with locals and visitors to Antigua.

Ana’s on the Beach caters to diners with “pure food indulgence in mind”. At this restaurant, you can savor some of the top-rated menu items such as the seafood trio, chicken terrine, and vegetable wellington while taking in the easygoing ambiance. If you’d prefer to have a full meal, you’re sure to find something on the menu at their full-service restaurant. The tapas bar has a separate menu.

Ana’s on the Beach is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. If you’d prefer just to have drinks, a good time to visit this establishment is during their Happy Hour on Fridays from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.



Picture: The turquoise waters of Dickenson Bay hitting the shoreline of Sandals Grande Antigua.

Expert tip: If you want to see the best of Antigua, start with this list of 19 amazing things Antigua is known for. Its gorgeous beaches are included in this list, which is great news if you want to go diving. If you want to go scuba diving in Antigua, you can read up on what to expect before you arrive on the island.

Authentic Antiguan dishes to try on your next vacation

Caribbean islands like Antigua are known for their unique and delicious cuisine. To try some of the best flavors, it helps to first know what to ask for. Here are some signature dishes in Antigua that you should try while on the island:

• Fungie - The national dish of Antigua. Fungie is made with cornmeal and okra paste (including onions and peppers) shaped into balls, which are then sautéed. Salt fish is usually cooked and served as a side dish. In Antigua, saltfish and fungie (also known as Antiguan polenta) are typically served for breakfast or dinner.
  

• Conch - Conch is prepared in a variety of ways in Antigua, resulting in dishes that include conch chowder, conch fritters, conch salad, and even conch curries. Conch fritters involve deep frying a conch-sprinkled herb batter, while conch salad just requires tenderized conch meat, some vegetables, and lemon juice.
  
  
  

• Macaroni Pie - Macaroni, shredded cheddar cheese, evaporated milk, ketchup, yellow mustard, onion, egg, and breadcrumbs are all essential ingredients of a traditional macaroni pie. These ingredients are combined in a casserole dish and baked. When prepared properly, macaroni pie is so decadent that it could be the comfort food you didn’t know you needed.
  

• Jerk Chicken - Spicy and flavorful, jerk chicken first gained popularity in Jamaica, and spread to the rest of the Caribbean islands. Dry rubs and spicy homemade sauces give this chicken its signature flavor, as does the fact that it is often cooked over pimento wood. Jerk pork, jerk fish, and jerk lobster are served at some restaurants in Antigua.
  

• Roti - Inspired by Indian cuisine, roti is a wrap packed with potatoes and chicken, beef, pork, fish, or vegetables. Flavored with local herbs, this dish is popular throughout the Caribbean. In Antigua, you can top your roti with curried sauce.
  

• Johnny Cakes - This golf-ball-sized, bread-like delicacy cooked on a griddle is frequently eaten as a sandwich with fillings such as cheese, saltfish, or other ingredients. Johnny cakes are prepared in Antigua with cornmeal, sugar, salt, milk, or water. They are part of traditional Caribbean cuisine and are usually served as a side dish.
  
  
  
  

Expert tip: Want more authentic Antiguan food? Here are 17 popular foods & drinks you must try when in Antigua.

Bon appétit!: Indulge in the finest restaurants in Antigua

One of the best places to sample Caribbean cuisine is in Antigua. In this post, we’ve listed some of the top restaurants where you can explore a range of dishes including the most traditional in Antigua. If you want to have a better chance of finding something you like at local restaurants on this island, you’ll need to think carefully about what you’re craving and where you want to go before leaving your resort.

Speaking of resorts… If you want to have access to a variety of restaurants without having to venture too far, staying at an all-inclusive resort in Antigua is a good idea. Sandals Antigua boasts 11 top-notch restaurants, the majority of which are focused on gourmet dining. At this resort, there are also casual dining alternatives and Caribbean restaurants with mouth-watering menus. With great food, inclusions, and an amazing beach, you’ll be well on your way to a terrific couples' vacation in Antigua!

Picture: An aerial view of Sandals Grande Antigua overlooking Dickenson Bay.

Expert tip: Want to take a vacation, but can’t decide on which island to visit? The best all-inclusive resorts in the Caribbean are here to serve as your inspiration!